Yes, you are right, I am lowering mine, not just for looks but also for performance. Here in SoCal, I have no snow to worry about plowing through, or very many dirt roads to worry about. I will still be able to make it up the mountains to go skiing or snowboarding or just a day at the snow for the kids. Practical use of an SUV is like everything else, all up to the owner. Oh yeah, and this particular model of guard, just doesn't do anything for me. Smittybuilt is about 5 minutes from my house and I suppose a trip to them to see if they are developing anything wouldn't be a total waste.