OK, Ok, I give, can't hold out any longer!
Exos : I like them and hate them at the same time. I am sure some can relate.
Given that the vehicle I am currently in process of building will need some additional body protection (if I plan to keep it somewhat straight looking), I can see a definite attraction with an exo-cage.
The problem I see with exos is that unless done very well, the only thing they end up accomplishing are two things. One, they get a lot more unwanted weight up high on the rig where it is most hindersome. And two, I have seen many of them that colapse too far under pressure so that instead of a big rock denting the quarter panel... the exo bar caves it in. Even with a very well built exo, you will never keep a cherry body cherry if you really really wheel it. If the exo is to be used as a means of protecting the occupants instead of the vehicle sheet metal, then a little body damage should be of secondary concern and the exo can be built to that goal.
My Liberty just has too much body to try to cover without adding way too much unwanted upper vehicle weight for me to go that route, but I will create something to protect the corners, rockers and front clip more than likely.
I definitely don't buy into the "trail nazis" ideas of "if it's a daily driver, you can't run it here" That's absolute crap. Some of the funnest and most capable rigs I've owned have been "drivers". If I want to go break mine somewhere hardcore, I will and do.
This sport is all about having fun, not buying or building only the "approved" type of rigs. If you like exos, run one. If you don't, don't. I have had both types of vehicles, drivers and dedicated rigs. Both are a lot of fun, and there are things I would do in my 7 that you won't catch me doing in my latest Jeep, but that doesn't mean I couldn't be dared
and that doesn't mean I might not wish I had built an exo in a few months!
-Adam