I have both the Cascade link and the Cane Creek Tigon coil over shock - each changed the way the rear end feels and behaves. I had the cascade link months before the shock and it gives you a bit more travel (160mm) and an increase in progression which you can notice. The shock takes it to the...
"Pinkbikers" are the best - they love to go down the rabbit hole!
I was running 172.5 for years on my gravel bike(s) and then went in for professional fitting where they hooked me up to sensors and cameras, etc. They recommended 170mm for my body build 5'8" / 172cm which helped my climbing...