I had one similar on my Xterra so here's my $0.02 worth.
I rear-ended a crazy person driving a Grand Prix in my Xterra at 15 mph and although the brush guard took little damage, it destroyed my hood, lights and grill when it bent back from the impact. It just pivots on the bottom bolts, with simple upper bracing through the grill. If I didn't have it on I would probably only have needed a new bumper. I'd be afraid to damage more parts than necessary on my VX as I get the feeling parts will become rare and costly.

Also, why hide those cool contours the VX has on its own in the front??

Lastly, I recommend powder coated aluminum as the painted metal looks like crap after a few years with all the rust spots. I was grinding and touch up painting constantly.