MJW

The OE 17s on my MY02 wagon are looking a bit shabby after 5 years so I was thinking maybe of refurbing them or replacing them. I quite like the look of the PFF7s but they look as though the spokes protrude a bit from the tyre sidewall - does anyone with these wheels have problems with regard to scuffing them on kerbs and stuff ?
Also the PFF7s are a bit pricey, can anyone recommend any cheaper ones in a similar style ?
My car has PPP and the blurb says fitting 18s will 'take full advantage of the torque increase' can anyone vouch for this or does it ruin the ride ??