I'm the author of the thread you mention, CC. It's always nice to know you are not alone in your worries, isn't it? I took a little good natured ribbing during the life of that thread:), but it was from people sticking up for a great product, so I didn't mind much.
Total drop of the front fender is about 11mm. I've run mine hard now for about 2 months and haven't had a problem when bottoming. That is, the front tire hasn't locked up, or put me over the bars when bottoming. Also, there is no scuffing near the bolt pattern.
Still, I don't know that I'd raise my forks in the clamps when running a WER.
They do work. Three biggest things I've noticed are
1. High speed stability, no shake or wobble.
2. Reduced deflection off roots and rocks.
3. Reduced fatigue on long rides.