I vote KYB simply because they are a known quality part and they are valved to be stiffer than OEM (which is my preference).
Monroes are disappointingly soft even when brand new. Their chosen spring rates also seem to be on the soft side. I've replaced worn struts with new Monroes on two vehicles and they actually rode softer afterwards. Their top strut mounts are also known to be short-lived. Never again.
No idea who makes struts for Carquest or NAPA so it would be a crapshoot. Probably Monroe, possibly Gabriel. People have generally liked Gabriel shocks/struts here if they are an option for you.
I would just do the struts and go from there. The sway bar end links can be changed whenever as can the bar bushings. But if you're doing the struts with only one corner in the air at a time you'll be fighting the sway bar, so you'll need to take one end off anyway. And if one end is off, might as well replace it if it's worn. So there's logic in doing so but it's not a must-do.
