I've been useing the lowered plate method for about a month now, ever since my
permanent plates arrived.
I told my dealer on the day I bought the car, to do not under any circumstances mount the front bracket.
They reluctantly agreed. They put the bracket inside the trunk.
I figured out on my own how to install it as low as possible on the grille.
It is basically the same as Azteks method. I did leave all plastic posts though and put some
felt bumpers on the ends.
I have had no issues with it thus far.
It is technically not legal where I live since it is considerd to low.
But it is a compromise between having no plate or ,
one that sits right in the middle of our beautiful grilles...........

Have had my front plate lowered for about 2 months now.
Today I pull into a store parking lot that has those big concrete barriers
in the front of each space.
I must of pulled in to close cause as I pulled out, I hear a clangin sound
and then see my plate and bracket lying on the ground.
The assembly apparently had gotten wedged on the barrier.
The only damage I can see is on the inside of one of the
grilles honey-comb holes.
The force of being yanked out did it.
A piece of plastic broke in the back.
Not even noticable, unless you get down on your knees and eyeball inside.
Anyway, the plate and bracket are staying off for now.
Put it behind the drivers seat.
Even has a bunch of scratches in it now, so I
can tell whoever, that it just came off in a mishap and
plan to put it back on real soon.......................
yeah, right .............