I personally like progressives as a starting point, because of both the fact that I started with them before they were popular, and of my bias towards WH stuff!
But where they are counter-indicated (or is that contra?%)) is when you have extra weight up front. Especially hanging out over the front axle like a bumper and winch. In that case a linear rate is often the better choice for both height and ride quality.
Because the progressives are usually softer on initial rate and stiffer on secondary rate, if you use up all of your soft coils with weight then you're defeating the purpose of a softer ride.
It still works though, and that's how my '68 is set up with it's big bumper. But I could go either way still.
But that soft ride is hard to beat otherwise! I could tell the difference immediately in my daily driver when I changed from linear to progressives back in the early '80's. Can't tell you they were the better choice for hard charging down washboard 2-track trails, but around town they were amazingly smoother riding.
I'd say those general feelings would factor in no matter what lift height you choose. My first were about 2" lift, and the second were 3.5" lift. Very happy with the results of both overall.
With a winch and heavy bumper, a pair of BC linears would probably be the ticket.
If you have a winch, but a lighter bumper, or custom between-the-frame winch mount, I could go either way.
Naturally the farther forward the weight is, the greater it's effect at the spring.
Paul