Both options I'm thinking of. I might weld a guard round the entire center box, that strikes me as the weakest point in the whole thing. Not had any issues yet with the tail assembly. I'm a little worried that that downpipe has no give and bolts onto the manifold, I'd feel happier with some flex there.
I'm going to see the guys at Powerflow that built the Audi's Exhaust tomorrow and discuss the feasability of a single silencer side exit system with the tip just on front of the passenger door. Obviously I need to watch the legality of this. Else I might get them to design a whole new system that rides a bit higher.
Theres also the possibility of bringing the tailpipe out through the bumper rather than under it. Will see whats said.
Ric