I was looking at pics of the 97 - 06 vs the 07 08, and I realized that is what the main difference was, the metal fender with the plastic flare vs the full plastic fender on the 07 08. I was thinking it did give the jeep more of a flat fender that was cooked on hot so it puffed up and melted a little, type of look.
Maybe jeep was thinking ahead to make the fenders more tree friendly or easily replaceable, who knows....

Sean

99 XJ Sport 2 Door, 4.0L, 5 speed, all stock. Daily Driver
79 F150 Standard Cab Short Box, 400ci, NP435, NP205, 35" SSRs