After another year does anyone have any updates to this thread?

I have had an XT660R for a few months now and have done the following (mainly used for green laning and a bit of slightly rougher stuff):

• Yamaha hand protectors (good)
• Yamaha bash plate (ok but could be tougher)
• Scott Oiler Touring kit (excellent for lazy gits like me)
• Pirelli MT21s front and back (excellent but rear isn't going to last long)
• Rim clamps so I can run 15 psi front and rear (might try 12)
• Metal footpegs (Touratech, excellent)
• Bike trailer for those long distance trail weekends (I think I got an excellent trailer for a good price from Phoenix trailers near BridgeNorth)

I'm thinking about the following so any advice would be gratefully received:

• Lower the gearing (but how much?)
• Replace the wheel hugging bit of the front mudguard (but with what?)
• Stands ... I have a rear paddock stand that's ok but how the hell do I lift the front? At the moment I use a trolley jack on the bash plate whilst it's on the paddock stand but bloody hell it's wobbly!