I understand what you are saying about the guard. His focus I believe was to come up with something that would be an affordable clean looking option there is another company that makes forward controls that use an engine guard but they are four times as much money. I like that this gives us less fortunate ones an option for going forward!
I felt safe. I agree the brake has flex but I never feel unsafe. My bike definitely stops on a dime. Of course I am not purposely riding around trying to bed the controls over either. The only other options we have are making our own or paying 1500 for the ones below.