Blowers start to shine, once you start to get a lot of snow. They throw it farther, and pack in down more than a plow. I have used both, blades for lesser amounts as they are faster, and blowers for larger amounts.
Wear and tear is why we went with ceramic tile. 25 years in with multiple kids, dogs and cats, it still looks as good as when installed. I also I the rough texture on my bare feet in the summer. Plus there is no warpage due to the changing humidity.
Just watched a u-tube video. This farm was using a box blade as a snow pusher. It had the larger style quick attach on the back of the blade, so it could be connected to their loader. I don't know if it was a factory option or just home made. The only down side I see is there are no skids on it...
Engineers do not build machines, bankers and lawyers do. Bankers to keep the costs down, and lawyers to keep them safe enough so the company does not get sued.
The guarding is excellent for chafing and minor cutting and nicks, but will not help much with crushing damage. I would also think in your case, sun damage.
Cleared the lane today, only the second time this season. I have the snow pusher on the front and the box blade on the rear. It seems to be a good combo. The pusher does most of the work, then the blade scrapes the off the last bit. Plus they both add weight/traction.
I have a 5x8 trailer that I use behind mine. It works great for hauling fire wood. I can load it brime full and the rtv does not care. I have the job site tires, and they have been much better that I thought they would be.
When backing into tight areas, I use the front hitch, it makes life easy.