Not sure where you got a 2% difference Cooter. Its almost 5% bigger diameter but that translates to almost 10% bigger cross section area which is what you need to consider for comparing the strength of one to another.

Why are you so focused on the spring for riding comfort or stiffness as you call it? Have you measured the amount of rear sag you have? You should be in the 20-25mm range. What have you done with the compression clickers? They will have a much bigger impact on dynamic stiffness. I cant believe that EBR got it that wrong on spring rate especially since I am just over the 200lb mark as well.

from the owners manual
"Ride Quality Enhancement1. The stock settings are designed to offer sufficientchassis control, but some may choose to enhance ridecomfort over rougher road conditions or for long rides.Reducing the compression damping will allow the suspensionto move more freely reducing road input to the rider. Adjust suspension for rider weight. See OPERATINGRECOMMENDATIONS, Suggested Suspension Settings, Table17, as the starting point.2. Increase ride quality by reducing front and rearcompression damping by turning adjuster counterclockwisefrom 1/2 to 1 1/2 turns.3. If additional ride quality is desired, reduce frontpreload by turning adjuster counterclockwise one turn.4. If maximum ride quality is desired, decrease frontrebound damping 1 turn and rear rebound by ½ turn."