Yes the TraiMods are a good solution - there when you need them and gone if you don't, although you have to carry them somewhere.
However its not a perfect solution... drive down a muddy track without guards and see how your vehicle ends up... but for rocks etc the its not an issue.
A bit like tyres - there's no perfect answer for everyone - just a solution that works least worst for you.
But ripping stock flares off definately gets to be a PITA after the first half dozen times. You know its a problem when youve developed the habit of checking the mirrors to see if the stock flares are still there