Hi yv, I certainly advocate bypassing archaic Mercedes logic circuitry for what you suggest!

I also strongly support the use of an integrated sensor/display system. It seems like it could be sweet and I'd love to see a build! I just happen to have my GP hardwired so my engine controls (GP/Start/Stop) are divorced from my other electronics and ignition.
(As for sensors, mine are goofily over-complexified, I must admit; and your solution would excel if executed cleanly!)

Hey '617Yota,
I have a brush guard (Warn) over here off of a first gen, and a couple different sets of brushguard headlight guard loops (One set might be a second gen.) The brushguard has a plate/cutout to mount a winch too. If you are ever up this way, you are welcome to have them and hack/fit as you see fit. (You could certainly gusset the sides of your rad guard with the steel for protection, and have headlight loops to boot.) Maybe if Addicted is up this way, he could cart them your way?