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Last time I changed fork oil I used SE. I noticed a bit firmer ride, but definitely not "harsh". It actually feels more controlled.
This is my take on SE fork oil, too. It is firmer, not harsh, with better control and much less bottoming. It needs to be mentioned that SE comes in two varieties, heavy and extra-heavy (racing)--and I used the heavy. If anyone is interested, the fork oil in non-cartridge forks can be changed more easily than prescribed in the service manual. I wrote-up the procedure here. Cartridge forks were used from '02-'05, I think.
Air fork oil can be changed by applying vacuum to the Schrader valve and sucking the fresh oil from the drain plug as described in the service manual.