In deed, I also think it is a mather of preference and what you do with it.
I'm still driving the same YJ wrangler I bought new in 1994. (it's a 95) with manual. It as seen many upgrade over the years. Started it's life with the D35 rear with Tracklock and open diff in the front.
Fisrt real upgrade was the 2 1/2" lift and 31 mud and then 32". Then the winch. With that set-up, ad tons of fun, and broke front axle only when I was really crazy with it. Then, true track up front. That was the fist amazing add on. But still needed the winch even when all 4 Wheel were spining. So full lock would not have made a real difference. I was on the sandy beach of assetaguae Ilsand with my up grader 22 000$ 1995 wanlger and a friend was in is 35 000$ 2003 rubicon TJ and we were side by side all the time.
Now, Rear high pignon ford 9" and detroit soft locker, front D44 ARB and 35" boggers, still need the winch. Diff gears and now 4.56 and adventure tire are 33" mud (5000 miles a year average road/ travel/ off road /adventure). TC is original 2.72 with HD chain and manual trany.
So were I'm going with this. All this was always cheaper for me that going with a Rubicon. The 4.1 tc for me is to low for the type of wheeling I'm doing. Ruby crawler would be great, but without an auto, it can not be done. Klune would end up to long for my short wheel base, and no way I going with auto trany. Can be good in some situation, but not enough compression for really long hill descent even with the 4.1 t.c. I know, I have seen it in my rear view Mirror. And yes, good on rocks but only adequate in sand and mud.
So for my needs, a rubicon is not a good all around machine. Mantaning value, it all depends if you like to change your truck often or if you are a keeper. I'm a kepper. Rubicon also have weakness. If you want to really build it, the 44 are to weak and the 4-1 only goog in some situation. For deep snow driving, a regular t-c is better.
Lockers on a jeep are really nice if you want to go forward when you reach a large or technical obstacle on your Overland travel. But you will still need a winch if you really want to keep going. Like someone mention earlier, It is often cheaper to buy a non rubicon .......... cause they don't sale and then built it. In your case, you already own it, even cheaper.
I like my wrangler with it upgrade as it is. But It would be better if it was the lenght of a TJ unlimited.
I do not have the answer to what you need, I have the answer to what I need.
I hope it help on your relfection.
Still, I'd give girlfriend the Sport and keep the Rubicon for myself. Either way, OP, you're quite the generous fellow.
