you sir are correct. the bumper was already notched for the fmic, and since i plan on boosting later this winter anyways, i decided to just go ahead and leave it. there will be something there to fill the space soon enough...

 

well, 5 months later, and the case has finally been mostly resolved. i won 100% of the arbitration case against the lady who hit me. i will finally be getting reimbursed my deductible, and now i have to go after her insurance company to seek the other out of pocket expenses that werent covered by my insurance.