It all depends on your riding style. You've mentioned numerous times your going to use this bike primarily on-road. If you find yourself "spinning-out" and needing more torque on some of your rides, you'll want/need the 3rd ring.
If you off-road riding is very technical with a lot of obstacles that you "leverage" over (meaning: lift front wheel over, then bash with the chainrings and power over!) you'll want to keep the bash guard.
You'll have to decide what's best for your style!
L8R
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
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