I have run into the date issue as well. It was Ford's way of delineating between the A's and B's. 11-30-03/12-01-03 is about the date the switch occurred. they mixed A and B parts on individual cars before and after that date. the parts catalog will usually ask for last 8 of VIN to confirm the factory "as built" records.
And yes, the new part number is the recommended replacement part when the actual strut was discontinued years ago. It is supposed to be the closest to original. have not tried them so I'm not sure how close the valving is to original. As for the notation before 11/30/03, its will fit 03/04 fine.
This just contributes to the myth that the MM was a MGM with Police parts installed.
His: Blue w/Light Flint Born 02/05/03 (Wednesday)
6674 of 7838, Color sequence 102 of 327
1 of 111 Without Heated Seats
6 CD Changer in Trunk
Locking Lugs
Trunk Organizer
Real Oil Press Guage w/MM Face
Marauder Side Emblems
Rear Bumper Inserts
Nephews: Blue w/Light Flint
Born 02/05/03
6673 of 7838, 101 of 327 Blues 1 of 111 Without Heated Seats
Cars purchased 7 years apart, but are only 20 VIN numbers apart. Sequential units on the assembly line.
Hers: Black 300A w/Charcoal Born 06/25/02 (Tuesday)
2011 of 7838.
Locking Lugs
Trunk Organizer
Real Oil Press Guage w/MM Face
Factory Alarm
Marauder Side Emblems
Rear Bumper Inserts
#4 (Pound Rescue Marauder) 2003 DBP/Light Flint
120 of 328 DBP 1 of 217 with heated seats.
6705 of 7838 2003's
Built Friday 02-07-2003
Bought 09-10-2012
#5 2003 DBP/Light Flint
136 of 327 Blues 1 of 111 W/O Heated Seats
6741 of 7838 2003's
Built Tuesday 02-11-2003
Bought 05-06-14