Have you ever wheeled a bracket lift? It sounds like not, and your just quoting others. My braket lift has taken severe abuse from a locked 56" leaf rear on 33's and 35's, on both my p/u and my 954runner. I have never had a single issue with the front end, not even alignment issues. I only started carrying a spare CV when I went to 35's, and then only when many many many miles from home. Sure a SAS is much better for rocks, but a bracket lift is a great go between and with the propper rear can go many many places.

As far as the rear leaf swap, its an economical and wise choice. It provides more flex and stability that the OEM setup. A true 4-link would be sweet, but a MAJOR PITA to design, and install. A 3-link alleviates the need to move the gas tank but is still a HUGE PITA. Leafs are simple and effective.