That's long been the move... buy the holdover SP for CHEAP and put on the pimp shocks for under the price of a freeride, x package, etc.
Doo really ought to offer a fox (or other quality rebuild-able aftermarket) shock manufacturer from the factory.
Yes. I run the HD hitch bumper on my 165 g4 (dealer ordered and installed it by mistake rather than the standard HD bumper that's upturned).
Works just fine. It's very bomber. Towed a buddy out of the forest just last week with it! The tow bumper saved me $150 over the standard HD version...