Another Skid Plate Discussion (C4 & Budbuilt)

[BlkGX2011]

I know there is are plenty of threads about skids plate but this one is mainly for me to look at how much ground clearance is reduced by some skid plate systems and coverage amount.
Im debating between:

• Budbuilt:
  • Pros: 96lbs for lite steel, good reviews on quality and build/engineering, factory front skid jack point retained
  • Cons: seems to reduce ground clearance by 0.5" to 1" (which reduces benefits of running larger tires)
• C4:
  • Pros: 3/16" steel for durability, seems to retain as much ground clearance compare to others
  • Cons: doesn't seem to provide coverage for TC actutator
• Mix of OEM (front) & Talons garage (transmission/TC skid):
  • Pros: most cost effective, somewhat compatible via grinding wheel, retains good amount of ground clearance, OEM skid retains factory front skid jack point
  • Cons: custom fitment with OEM skids required, heterogeneous skid system, no oil filter access w/o removing front OEM skid

If you have Budbuilt skids, can you post pictures. Im trying to see how much gap there is between the trans cross member and the bottom of the skid. The only one I found only is this one, but it's hard to see:

I like C4's skid system, but it doesnt seem to cover the electronic actuator for the transfer case (I know the likely hood is low, but would hate to spend + $1k on skid system that doesnt protect a vital component):

 

[Acrad]

Budbuilt also has oil filter access panel designed for the 1UR-FE in 460... C4 is based on oil filter of V6 in 4R

 

[xychromosome]

I have the following combo: budbuilt steel front skid, oem engine skid, talon's garage aluminium transmission skid with cat 'wings' and 4runner oem full gas tank skid. I don't currently have a skid for the tansfer case but am thinking about getting the Talon's garage version at some point.
My rationale has been that most hits I take while offroading is to the front skid, so make that the toughest armor. Budbuilt has been rock solid and the direct access to the oil filter makes it a no brainer. The rest of the skids are lighter weight oem and aftermarket options which helps with weight saving while still providing some protection as well as ease of removal when changing fluids.