Skid plates that Tone designed and took to Moab last year did just that - they rested against the Safari bar (no need to attach) and worked as intended. Some of us do not have the bar and it still worked for us.

The plate attached under the tow hook on one side and the second tow hook mount on the other side and extended back to cover the oil and tranny pan. The Safari bar and mounts are not strong enough to offer much protection if a plate was simply attached to them. Having the VX cut in the skid plate though is good idea.