Yes and No on steps! I am 6' so I just hit my shins on them, My wife is 5' 1" so she needs the step. My solution was NFab rock sliders with removeable steps. I put the step on the passenger side only. I remove them for when I go on a serious 4x4 trip.
In my area of the country they "Chip Seal" the road so there are a lot of looks rocks. I did the Xpel Clear Wrap on the front, Hood & Fenders. Also the rocker panels all the way around. Put it on a year ago and still looks great.
https://www.xpel.com/automotive