Yes, you are correct via my previous post
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1715720&postcount=28
It's an astetic mod that many do just cause it makes the engine bay look that much better. If it makes you feel any better I have one in my closet but it's not for a mazda 6. It's not rice unless you tell someone it's funtional. I don't knock anyone cause some do beleve they work for our in perticular car just cause it bolts up. I'm not here to diss anyone, just keeping the info sterile. Lower braces to the best of my knolewdge are functional pieces.