My Ultimate,ultimate plan was to get a welder and learn to weld. Then I could make unlimited mounts and relocation brackets and a host of other off-road equipment not available for these rigs. Also I have been mentally preparing myself to cut the doors and fenders so I can fit bigger wheels. But if i cannot get the EAS working reliably, then nothing further will be getting done and she will be downgraded to grocery getter or less..
I hear you on not relying on the electrics. Plus I really dont appreciate the permanent added weight of the winch, mount or available angles such as if I got stuck on a steep hillside headfirst. We dont have tirfors easily available here. But we do have pullers! I use a "More power puller" rated at 3 tons dead lift. I also have a couple snatch blocks, line extenders, tree straps, and a set of Maxtraxs. For the most part...I can self rescue and can go and have been, to places where a lot bigger rigs ask how I got there
. A winch is just so much more convenient sometimes when you want to get going quick..