I have an off road Truck, it hauls my 4 horse trailer very well, It hauls the Biuke trailers, and the boat..
I didn't want my truck to haul or Tow anything. what i did want was My truck and for it to be a little different then the neighbors. These trucks are far from being rare or collectibles, Everytime I drive down the road I see a few.
As far as getting one of these trucks to ride as smooth and quiet, as a new one, You're going to put one heck of a lot of work into it.
But I lowered mine just because I like the looks. It lowers the center of gravity and makes it handle and ride better.and how stiff it rides depends on how it's done.
I lowered mine 4" front and 6" rear.. I haven't driven it on the road still... But I may remove the front lowering springs and go back stock which will leave me with a 2-1/2" lowered spindles, and Then I'll raise the rear to match the front. We'll see...
If you want practitality, then leave HotRods alone all together.. But if you like individualism, then do what you want and stand out ( or down) in the crowd...
As you typed. It's all personal preference.
Sometimes I sit back and wonder Why I'm spending so much money on something that just takes you up and down the road in the first place...
Then I see something else I want to put on it..... :p