For a shop it's normal that one is always better than the other. That is how people are and it's a good thing.
The old one looks better imo but with trimmed side fenders like that, I think a stubby bumper will look best.
For a manual trans (clutch does not slips while the jeep is running) gear does slips - if it slips out of gear it goes to neutral not to the lower gear.
Welcome aboard.
Nice rig you got there!
You can run 33" max. (35" if just for the looks and no trail ride) I like BFG and you do not need to recalibrate your speedo (I think it's not necessary in size 33")
The control at the turn signal lever is turned off.
Without opening the door, turn-twist it in full counterclockwise turn to test if it engages the light.