I wouldn't do the 2.5"+1" option, 33" tires
barely clear with a 4" lift without rubbing the flares. And like you said, you'll eventually want a 4" and why do it twice?
If SOA is truely what you want, it can be done affordably. You don't need to buy a kit, just do your research.
4 Mopar spring perches $20
4 shocks $140
SYE $180
Shortened/balanced XJ/TJ front CV driveshaft for the rear $125
Dodge Dakota rear brakeline $20
Move the front brake hardlines lower on the frame.
$485 so far, and can be about $300 cheaper if you use a 1"
transfer case drop and your stock driveshaft, instead of the SYE and CV rear driveshaft. Big deciding factor would be if you know somebody that can weld on the new spring perches for you.