IMO, there are many nuances in the ground clearance/off-roading debate. Very few people will buy an RL with serious off-roading in mind...and they shouldn't. However, many RL buyers are likely to use their trucks off-pavement on unimproved roads (e.g., forest access roads, "fire roads" and roads to undeveloped camping sites) that can become rutted or otherwise hazardous to vehicles with insufficient ground clearance (What do you see in the banner at the top of this page every time you open the Forum?). In those situations, it also matters what components (oil pan, transmission, exhaust, control arms, etc.) are most exposed and vulnerable to damage. Even on paved roads, angle-of-approach matters for parking curbs and approaches to steep driveways.
So yes, if off-pavement travel (or "soft-roading") is a significant part of your use pattern, you maybe should look at a different truck. Or consider some modifications (skid plate, AT tires, 1.5" front lift) and also be aware of when you have reached the truck's limitations and should turn around. That said, I still think Honda could have done more to increase the RL's off-pavement competence without compromising its many desirable attributes. But I recognize that a modest "overland/adventure" edition does not fit their business model for the RL and will likely never happen. That's really why I'm sad.
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