a spaced spring as a system is stiffer
a longer softer spring generally gives lower initial acceleration and less bounce
a stiffer spring can make more power (cylinder pressure raises faster) and gives a faster piston acceleration and a quick action.
I prefer softer, longer.
This is one reason why sleaved down HW80s shoot so nice - loads of spring room, so they have that softer (true) recoil.
but you might like it harder, quicker
I'm currently looking for: an old style Parker Hale (not Pax) Phoenix, a .177 mk1 Meteor barrel ( or a whole gun if cheap), and a project Crosman 2200 (or bits). Thanks, JB.