I hear you on the flex issue, and it depends on the terrain...the tires are not weightless when you make the shackle longer, and that's all that happens...another 1.5" of swing over the std lift shackle.

You guys act like its a disco for the axle....it just isn't.

If you watch one in action, it is following the terrain...just like a regular shackle swings in/out with the terrain...just because it can swing further doesn't mean the axle fell off and the truck flips over.

So sure, its flexier, and if your terrain doesn't require flex, you can get by with a stiff leaf lift, etc....lift tires when needed, and not worry about articulation.

If you wheel where you need articulation, and understand how to use it, so you don't put yourself in stupid situations (Goes for most wheeling...), its a tool.

Ground clearance is a tool, a tall lift gives clearance...but, at the expense of COG issues, like off camber, etc.

Same with flex.