I don't have a problem driving on the highway with beadlocks I've been in other trucks while doing so and have never thought of it as a risk. I would change my wheels out in my garage prior to and after my 4x4 excursion just like I always do. And don't give me the "its illegal" crap maybe technically it is but realistically its not at least not where I live. There is one problem though, price, there almost $200 a rim on crapy wheels thats $1000 counting spare and like you said that money would be better spent on lockers.
Speaking of lockers. I got a hold of eaten the other day and they said they aren't going to release the elocker untill mid 2003. OUCH!!! that be a long time.