I would go for 205/40.
Problem is on a 8 inch rim you're kind of stuffed either way.. you'd have more clearance with an 8.5 believe it or not... #fitmentissues lol
As you say people will try a coilover and love it and go mental over it.. that's the only coilover in the world, etc etc..
PERSONALLY I'd go for Apex RDX, they're like £480 or so, they go lower than you'll ever need and are a high quality construction with great driving characteristics. They are defo on the side of racecar so are a bit harder but then again, that's just what you would be used to (I assume) with lowered cars. It's not uncomfortable anyway :)
But like I said you have the choice of the market, except JOMs, APs and KWs don't go low enough.