Ok, I put the factory screws back in (even though I don't think they do anything except hold the factory shield in place.
Here's why the skid plate can't utilize the factory holes. The rivals front lip goes up slightly at the front. As it sits, it is the same height as the factory shield screw...
That's what held in the factory shield. If you look at the rival picture from page one it looks the same. I might put the factory screws back in the front, but I don't think they'd do anything other than just fill a hole.
Before
After
Overall I'm pleased with the end result. I did hit a snag due to user error with a torque wrench and stripped out one bolt. Thankfully the instructions listed exactly what bolt to get and it fit correctly
I put defender2 235/65/r17 on my hybrid. I don't think that it makes a difference in the mpg, except for the extra weight. They've been great so far. Recommended.