what did that guy hit anyway?

I see your points. That last pic with the blue X looks all too familiar to my truck. Except, mine isn't damaged. Scares me a little, but I'm not going to take the brush guards off at this point.

I had thought I'd be a little more protected in small fender benders, since the plastic grill on the X seems like I could rip it off with my hand. But I'll take your word for it that the brush guards don't help in those situations.

Pasadenax, the last pic you posted didn't show up.