I have not reinstalled the factory skid plate yet. I attempted it but could'nt get it to fit without doing some grinding on on it. I read someone else was able to make it work by using a 10 ton jack and forcing it into place but I'm leery to try that approach.
As far as the home link goes I...
Added some Led light cubes I got from tractor supply to my bumper I just added. They had a nice totally plug and play harness and you could add a wireless remote unit to it. I added that then programmed the remote to my home link. Nice and easy job. Also have a hard switch up under my dash. Mine...
I did have an issue with the positive Lead rubbing the Grill, I left it as it was. I don't plan on removing the winch so I'm not worried if it rubs back behind the winch. I will say I wish Quadratec moved those mounting holes a little bit forward.
Just finished installing the quadratec QRC bumper on mine this afternoon. The only issue I have with it is how far they put the mounting holes for the winch. It smashes the cables into the grill.
I'll be at year of ownership in September. I still love mine, just broke the 10k mile mark on a 1,500 mile trip to Tybee Island, Ga two weeks ago. Only thing I wish it had was more power especially after trading my wife's wrangler in for a Durango RT. I plan to keep this one for a long time so...
I like it a lot. As far as running with the top off I haven't taken the hardtop off fully yet. I just run the sun rider up front. When I do pull it I plan to run the soft topper in safari mode with the sides all rolled up, or just fold it down all the way.
Its secure, I tightened it as tight as I could go with out warping the plastic. I put some electrical tape on it as well to try and keep it from scratching the paint. The hardware it came with was just barely long enough to attach it.