Springs are rated in three ways, based on the amount of force or mass it takes to compress the spring a given amount:
The correct spring is the softest spring available, that is able to support the bike and rider under the hardest of braking/accelerating while still leaving some room for the system to travel if a bumb is encountered in this state. Spring tuning is not used to address issues of the motion of the system, but rather how a system comes to rest under different loads. Note: that I am referring to the equilibrium position and not the dynamic motion of the system. Given any change in load, the system seeks a new equilibrium position where it can come to rest. During cornering, the two ends need to be sufficiently balanced so that one end doesn't compress dramatically more than the other. The rear spring needs to support the whole bike and rider (less rear unsprung mass) during strong acceleration while still having some travel available for traction.
Under severe braking, the fork springs (assisted by the air spring component created by compressing the volume of air above the oil) have to be able to support the total mass of bike and rider (less front end unsprung mass) while still having some travel available for traction. Prolonged braking, acceleration and cornering g's are examples of changing loads. Spring rate determines how the bike responds to varying loads. Oil height is part of the spring component.
Without proper spring selection, the system will not work correctly, no matter what adjustments are made. They are what holds the bike up, support it under braking and accelerating, and pushes the wheels into dips in the road. Springs are the most important part of the suspension system, other than the tires.
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