I agree that terrain can vary and some tires are better for certain areas. I would point out that not all trails in Moab are on smooth sand stone, there are a lot of sharp rocks. Also I have done quite a bit of wheeling in Colorado, and they don't call the Rocky Mountains that because they are...
Also, don't use Goodyear tires. When they introduced the Kevlar ones, a lot of people switched. Two years later no one used them. Bfg is the best in my opinion.
I have said this before, but if you look at all large 39" and up tires, they are all C range. All competition rock crawlers use C range and air down to 8 psi or lower. Think of a balloon. A thick aired up balloon would be really easy to prick with a needle, but a flexible soft balloon will...
Use a great spotter, and left foot brake on a bouncy climb, it keeps the suspension loaded. Air down, air down and air down. If you are spinning tires, you need to air down more.
For rock crawling C is the way to go. I use BFG tires and have never had a problem, even on sharp rocks. Just air down and they will conform over the rocks. I usually air down to 12 or so for rock crawling. Been wheeling for only 20 years, so what do I know?
I don't disagree with a lot you said. I have seen people race across a stream with a big bow wake, which I disagree with, and I know that can cause a problem. Some actually say it keeps water out of the engine bay, but I am not going to test that theory. However, unless you really know a...
I am not a hatter. I love that people modify their vehicles, even though I don't always like what they do. Way better than someone who just drives their old Prius until the tires fall off. If you want a snorkel, go for it. If it is for looks, great. If it is for water fording or dust...
You are not going to like this, but you don't need one. They are pretty much useless. If you are in water that deep, you will be floating, and unless you have paddle tires you will be up a creek without a paddle. Don't believe the line that it puts the intake above the dust, it doesn't. If...
Well, especially as tires age, they become more brittle. Like you said, it only takes one rock. Sorry, I always take the time to air down and air up, it is good insurance and it makes the ride much smoother. My 2 cents, wait ......... nickel, pennies are not made anymore. :)
Did you lower your tire pressure? I don't do a trail unless I am down below 15, never had a problem with the KO2s. Yes, I have done a lot of trails in Arizona, along with many other states. A lot in Colorado, which has pretty sharp rocks.