[minorthreat]

i thought you may have been, but sometimes on the internet these things get misconstrued and people get ****ed off.

Regarding the bolting vs welding argument it really is personal preference
Bolting is easier to fix in the event of any repair needed and is easier to return to stock obviously. Bolting also bridges both sides of the rail and its normally harder to pull a bolt through something then tear. This is still relying on the original rail to be in good condition and not reduced in thickness.
Welding would mean there would be no slippage or twisting of the brackets against the bolts. It spreads the load around the whole circumference of the bracket as appose to the bolts point loading. But this is a surface area equation of bolt support vs weld area
Downside is if it isn't welded correctly could create a stress raiser or weak spot and could cause the metal to tear in the event of a accident, bump steer or through excessive steering effort.