I also know the benefits of an airbag. I got rearended by a semi on I-15 in Cali in a 01 Audi S4 and yes they helped but the side curtains did the only good. the one in the steering wheel broke my elbow but oh well.
I-15 is a POS............ I drive it every day, and everyday I pray for my life. People here in so-cal have no respect for the road. ESPECIALLY when it is RAINING - "yea its ok to do 90 on a wet freeway"
And good ideal getting that damnd airbag back in there.... It may save your ass one day, but hopefully it wont have to.