Hey Bob,

I live in Mass and as you said I've had the grille since the summer time. I have not had any mesh backings or extras for protection purposes. I have not had any issues, and I drive the car everyday. I will probably install a mesh screen for protection next time I need to take my bumper off. The only pieces that were used were, the grille itself and its pins and screws. The only other thing that came in the packaging is some really cheap license plate bracket which in no way do I recommend. Mass requires and front plate, but I still have not mounted a bracket or my plate. I have not had any issues with law enforcement. If you do have to run a plate, I would consider one of those hideaway plates. Other than that the grille has really held up with the snow and ice. The only issues I could see arise are the bugs while driving at night going through the honey comb into the radiator. Rocks and debris have not found a home and that's why I'm not concerned.
Thanks

Paul