I really dislike it when people make comments like this, blanket statements with little or no evidence to back them up. When have you run 17 or 18" rims on an A-body or classic mopar? I have, and I've never replaced a rim because of damage. I drive my cars daily and in all weather conditions. Rough ride? My Challenger rides better now with 17" rims and Bilstien's than it did with 15's and KYB's. Same for my Duster with 18's and Hotchkis shocks, it rides better now than it did with 15's and whatever cheap, sorry excuse for shocks it had on it before. If you use the right parts you don't get a rough ride.
