The LC doesn't notice a couple hundred pounds. Besides, unless you're spending $$$ on some fancy aluminum or composite design, the quality and robustness require a bit of weight.
it looks like a cool system, and i have the original AO. but there are some things to consider.
the payload of a 100 is 1470 pounds. 207 pounds becomes significant when you add on other items like bumpers, jacks, recovery gear...
me.
RTT 120 pounds
skids, steel, 150 pounds
sliders, steel 100 pounds
front bumper, with guard 150 pounds
rear bumper, tire carrier 100 pounds
jack 40 pounds
front winch 90 (synth)
rear winch 90 (synth)
tools and recovery gear parts 150 lbs
2 people 350 lbs
my old AO drawers are steel and id guess were 100 pounds. i carried the box by the plastic shipping strap one handed so they couldnt have been 200.
subtract 100 for losing the rear seats.
with fuel that put me at the limit, and i really felt it. i had airbags in the rear until i went to HD springs, bars.
of all the stuff on the list, the drawers are the handiest for every day use, but the first things i would ditch because they are a luxury. everything else at some point was necessary.
207 pounds is a person and is beyond significant, when you can achieve similar results with canvas tool bags if need be. weight is always a key consideration when designing a system that works well. i dont think it ought to be played down like a foolish comment.