Model A Shocks Compression - Rebound

[Phred]

After installing both rebuilt and new (Brattons) Model A shocks i have found the following to be true:

The adjustability of the shock seems to affect the rate of rebound resistance much more than the rate of compression resistance. In other words, the resistance to compression is always relatively light while the resistance to rebound can adjust from relatively light to quite stiff.

Since this is the case in both rebuilt and new shocks I will assume that "that's the way they were designed".

What is the reason they are designed this way?

Wouldn't a more equal compression/rebound resistance be better?

Thanks in advance for any reasoned input.