So are skid plates and underbody protection pretty much a necessity?

[JDGreens]

I agree - I've travelled a lot of "difficult" tracks for many years - Malaysia, Botswana, Congo, Algeria, Perú, Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, RSA, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Australia... - I've never had skid plates and have never had any damage (once put a small dent in the sump pan, but no problem). I wouldn't bother. An unnecessary expense, which also adds weight (the lighter good ones are even more expensive). TO paraphrase JDGreens - look where you're going and drive with care.

Yeah not necessary but eventually I will be putting armor under my rig. For many reasons, protection and if I have to add weight somewhere I think at the lower center of gravity. Isn't a bad thing. It will also help with strengthen the uni-body of the Jeep Cherokee (Xj) that is prone to tearing apart with the abuse the rig goes through.