In considering a JK, I have looked at the cheap lift kits, which consist of spring and shock spacers.
It's true you don't get the extra 2" articulation, but you do get the lift. Since the JK would be my daily driver, I will not be too concerned about hard core offroading (maybe later). My only concern is spacers seem to affect road handling more than full suspension replacement.
Also, all the lift kits I have seen for the JK are for the petrol model (diesel model not available in USA), so at least I would be using the suspension designed for the heavier diesel engine.