Guys having a skid plate wouldn't really help, in fact having more surface area couldn't really cause more damage in some ways. Skid plates are just that -->for skidding over objects lights at slower speeds if neccessary and too take the abuse off the frame from such rocks and boulders. But not much from a 25 dead fall casing a jump, steal just isn't that strong lol.
i'd weld it back together ive had bolth upper a-arms and 3spots on my frame welded and they hold up great and its not how well the weld will hold but when you weld it weakens the sorrounding metal just a good weld job will do