They are, in the final analysis, a zero net proposition. They replace the airflow that they block. They don't hurt a damn thing...nor do they help.
They do a great job of cutting up birds and bugs that venture near them.
I'm sure my gas mileage suffers a bit...that has kept me awake nights...but somehow I have survived.
I like 'em as much as I do the quick lifts, turkey pan, firewall puke tank, the little panel cutout behind the seats for the FIA suitcase, the backwards running speedometer.........
Boxhead...you've got the right frame of mind for them.