Someone on stock tires could say the same of your choice of going to MT's. A talented driver might find better lines that didn't require the more aggressive tread, the greater clearance from your larger tires, and might also get by without the lift. If you aren't to the point that you feel you need the locker, fine. If you are the Mario Andretti of 4 wheeling and don't need any mod's, fine. Belittling others who run mod's you don't have is pointless. Your statement above is ridiculous. At what point do you think a locker is necessary? Not just on both axles, but start with just adding a rear locker. The same could also be said of buying a 4 wheel drive. I've seen some people do amazing things in 2WD, and I've heard them make the same statements that you are making. I certainly don't feel bad about having 4. Do you? They think *you* are a worse driver for giving in to buying a 4WD. No, you don't gain clearance by buying a locker. However, you gain traction through means other than airing down. Don't air down until you need it (or air down less) and don't lose the clearance you would have otherwise if you *had* aired down to begin with. Kind of like the option to turn on and off a locker. Air down when you need to, until then use skill. You may surprise yourself one day by buying a locker. Do you have to justify it to some other guy who thinks it's superfluous? Nope. Just get out and enjoy.