Analysis of Blank (i)
The prose was "Pared down over the years to the point of (i) _______ ".
- "Pared down" means reduced in extent or size; simplified.
- This reduction process results in a minimal, stripped-down style.

We need a word that means severity, extreme simplicity, or sparseness.
- A. austerity: Severity of manner or style; extreme plainness or simplicity. This is a perfect fit for prose that has been aggressively stripped down. (Correct)
- B. abstraction: The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events. (Relates to content, not style or length.)
- C. artlessness: The state of being simple, natural, or honest. (Relates to honesty/lack of pretension, not physical reduction.)

The best fit for (i) is austerity.

Analysis of Blank (ii)
The second clause introduces a positive contrast using "nevertheless": despite the minimal style, the writer's insights are preserved, and indeed they are "(ii) _______ than ever."

The reduction in unnecessary bulk (austerity) must have had a positive effect on the core insights. The insights are now clearer, sharper, or more focused.
- D. keener: Sharper; more focused, intense, or penetrating. This is a perfect fit, suggesting that the stripped-down prose makes the insights stand out more powerfully. (Correct)
- E. more vague: Unclear or indistinct. (The opposite of the intended positive effect.)
- F. more formal: Following strict rules or conventions. (Relates to style, not the clarity of the insight.)

The best fit for (ii) is keener.

Final Solution
The completed sentence is:
Pared down over the years to the point of austerity (i), Stockton's prose nevertheless preserves the writer's insights-indeed they are keener (ii) than ever.

Blank (i): A. austerity
Blank (ii): D. keener