I saw them at EJS when they 1st came out, they hit a rock and it jammed the step so they could no longer demo one side.
I'd guess they've made changes since because I've witnessed Gen II take what I would consider pretty good hits on the rocks and they continue to work but, they also had additional skid plates installed on the steps to protect them from direct hits.
IMO for the almost $3000 price tag of the Gen III, I'd look for other options
I get what you mean, I'm 6'1 and it's a hike to get into the Jeep after coilovers. I just installed a cheap set of plastic factory style running boards and plan to add brackets to drop them about another 2-3" until I find a more permanent solution.
They're easy enough to remove and slap on the factory rails if needed but I foresee the immediate future being mostly road and mild off-road terrain.