Get the tire size that you want and makes you happy. You will find a way to make everything else work when you do. Spend some time doing a google image search for "JK 33 no lift", "JK 35 no lift", "JK 33 2.5 lift", and "JK 35 2.5 lift". I think you will start to get an idea of what appeals most to you. Every deviation from stock has consequence. Every person has a different threshold.; it is ultimately up to you to decide whether or not the benefits (utility, happiness, performance losses) outweigh the detractors (shorter maintenance interval, lower mpg, garage clearance, performance).
Here are my thoughts:
I have 35's with a 2.5" lift and cut fenders on my JKU and at times think they are a tad on the smallish side. In order to stay low and upsize your tires you will need to go with a flat fender like MCE, Bushwacker, or cut your stock ones. Personally, I would stay away from any steel or aluminum fenders due to the fact they are stronger than the more expensive panels behind them (pristine fenders and a deformed body). The guys are right about keeping the lift as small as possible. With flat fenders you can run 33's and 35's with no lift. I would recommend heavier springs for the rear if you go no lift though.
Honestly, gears can be dealt with later counter to what many say. I've been wheeling on 35's with an auto and 3.21 gears for three years while deciding what my final tire size and ratio should be. Is it optimal, no. Is it still plenty capable and driveable, heck yes. A Jeep is a Swiss army knife not a Swiss watch. There is some hunting in the mountains but it isn't pervasive. In town it is slower to get up to speed, but still moves fast enough that you are not holding up people behind you. I'm sure I'm playing with fire going this long without re-gearing, but three years is a far cry from claims that my tranny was going to give up the ghost in a few months.
One thing about the Jeeps versus some of the other popular makes here on ExPo is that you will may find yourself going off-roading more than you thought with a local Jeep group. This is part of why some of our JKs are outfitted and built counter to Expo methodology. Taller tires are the only way to raise the pumpkin, which depending on your terrain and off-road driving style is a factor to consider. If weekend wheeling from time to time sounds like it is up your alley, go with 35's.
