Yes, if your stock set-up is still spongy, something's still wrong with it. It could be as simple as not being bled properly and completely yet. Mine was spongy until I replaced the line. Previous to that, I disassembled and cleaned both the MC and caliper. Both were full of gunk.
This past summer, I decided to upgrade the pads. I got the Ferodo Platinums because they were said to be one of the best ..... well ..... not so much. I think the originals worked better and will probably put them back in. Being that I have probably a half dozen good used sets of originals laying around (from parts bikes and such), I doubt I'll ever be buying new pads again.