I agree - don't have to stick with the OEM setup if it doesn't work for you.
My current setup - 205/45R16 wheel and tire upgrade, stock calipers and OEM rotor (Brembo blank) with Hawk HPS pads, TRD lowering springs on KYB struts, only had to roll the rear fenders just slightly and trim off some of the mudflap for clearance issues.
Ride is as smooth as stock on good roads, no problem rubbing on bigger bumps as the TRD don;t drop it too much but still firm enough to control excessive motion. Sway bars might be next - but I just needed to tighten up the car a bit, don't need it to go auto-x with. Just with the tire and pad upgrade - braking performance was transformed from adequate to more than satisfactory - never feel I will run out of brake (no close calls, no brake fade).
Plus cost has to be reasonable - this is supposed to be an economical car to own - with some good deals and smart shopping - installing it myself - everything set me back about $900, including any tools I needed to do the install.