i personally wouldnt go with plate. i like the tube bumpers with winch mounts.
get the hooks for now. use grade 8 bolts. you just need front tow points.
and BTW, the definition of "worth it" really depends on when you need to use the protective armor and how much it protects and how much it doesn't.
my tire carrier (for instance) is worth the $150.00, to carry a tire, mount lights, and still give me plenty of room in the bed to haul gear.
but if i flop, i dont think it will survive too much damage because it is 1/8 steel.
i like the idea of d-ring style for security reasons