I bought the 17s because of tire selection too. I figured load range doesn't matter, my Rubicon came with E, LR tires new. Then I bought winter tires in a C load range. What a difference. Thats my only reason for liking 15" tires. The ride really is way better. And the C load range selection in 16" or 17" tires is limited.
Lots of comments on every topic are from guys who never try the alternatives and they say my "..." are fine. Yeah, but have you ever tried... C load range 15s or winter grips or ....