SCSL..LOL..I PRECISELY posted now that i saw you online because i REALLY wanted to hear what you had to say!
Serg, I know that dust has a better chance of getting through the KN than the stock element. But where I live the most dust you'll get is that of a dump-truck full of, well, dust!..lol
About the rocker panels, I've already cut out peices at the front, but kept the cutouts in place with pins ( so it looks like one whole, uninterrupted peice) and when in need to raise for frontal tire replacement, those will come off and I'll lift using the frame behind and above the rocker panels

For rear tire replacements, I have the hitch so I'll be lifting through there, unless I shouldn't be lifting through there in which case I'd really like to know about. BUT, I will eventually get some sliders, not that I'll be doin much sliding on any boulders any time soon, but I would be prepared for when I do
Dude, thanks for the Feedback!