Been meaning to update the thread.
It does seem to be working out with a couple tweaks. For the clips, I clipped the heads off instead of removing them, so all that is left is the smooth white plastic clip. I did this so the tape is closer to the truck, the flares have a lip, so the tape would have a hard time contacting the body. Also I would double layer the tape on the clips for the thickness. The other tweak is the front mounting holes on the front flares. I elongated the first three holes on the flare towards the front of the truck. This allowed me to push the flare in further and tighten down on the bolts while pushing in, it left the flares pretty flush. The front side of the front flares were the only areas that didn't push in flush by themselves, but elongating the holes fixed that.
I also added the new spats in my original parts list, they are different then non flares, but only like $5 a piece. I didn't need the bolts, but that might be because I have the wheel well liner option.
If your not planning on painting them, I found the black coating they come with is not very durable, it scratches off easily. I ended up cleaning them up, using some adhesion promoter and matte black plastic bumper and trim paint on them.