While it's nice I would say no not that important. I've run straight 4wd for 40 years in the snow with no issues. I'm not even sure what the issues are everybody talks about when running regular 4wd in the snow.
It's yours make it what you want it. The people who call everything a mall crawler don't understand rock crawling is only one of many forms of off roading.
The 9.1% inflation average is what the government says it is. The 17.3% Ford says it is, is much closer to reality. The price of eggs and gas alone make the 9.1% average improbable.
Actually they are crash bar extensions the sas is just as safe as non sas. You really think the government or insurance companies would allow it otherwise.
Don't forget the non sas also has 1/2 " more suspension travel because the sas has travel limiters to keep the 35s from hitting the fender wells. And you get the 4.70s with the manual.