Like LTL4life, my side moldings have started to fade as well as having the adhesive backing start to come loose at the edges (super glue and five coats of wax for every one on the doors have so far kept things in check).

Not long ago I parked next to a Suburban LT (same color as mine) which was also missing the side trim. The owner told me his had faded and were coming loose. He'd pulled them off intending to order a new set, then decided he liked the look without them. Not much you can do about the inevitable door dings, though.
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1988 Mercedes Benz 560SL (Wife's)
1998 Mercedes Benz S420 (Wife's)
1995 Mercedes Benz C280 (Daughter's)

2007 Chevrolet Suburban K2500 3LT (MINE...for now) <!-- / message --><!-- / message --><!-- / message --><!-- / message --><!-- / message -->

 

Ah..ok. I think the running boards might offer some protection too. My current vehicle, a Land Rover LR3 doesn't have any, dings aren't an issue...never been dinged, knock on wood. And my Jeep Liberty has them, and yet there are two dings...right above the molding. Go figure...