It's a personal preference for sure. The bumper has the notches already for the exhaust, so if you can live with those still present with no tips to fill in the gap I guess it would work.
Welcome! Sometimes you get a bad one, and sadly it seems like more often then good with the EcoDiesel. But we're glad to have you here.. metal shavings in the oil filter doesn't sound good. Report back what your next steps are ?