DragonFire, I have an alabaster XF and I know exactly what you're talking about, can't drive 2 miles down the road without something splashing up on the rocker panel and looking like the car wasn't even washed. I won't even go into the stone chip problem.
I have resisted putting black vinyl mud flaps on it simply because I hate the way they look on my Hondas. but I have to admit, they do protect the paint if you hang them low enough. Plus, if you're real careful about hanging them so that they line up with the tires (and not beyond the tread) they are almost invisible from behind.
I think Andrew applies a clear plastic adhesive cover over his rockers, and that should at least protect it from the chipping effect.
Another thing that's nice about the vinyl mud flaps, is that you can trim them down to make them less noticeable.
Remember, just don't buy the ones with the reflectors on them.