Definitely go with rope whichever winch you buy.
Safety is the number one reason.
If the winch doesn't come with rope then I'd recommend getting rope with a thimble rather than a hook.
Yep, got the synthetic rope winch. Smittybilt 9.5. $427 shipped to my door with a free cover. Regular price was $449 but the web site said "We give deep discounts, just give us a call". So I did and asked them what that was about and the guy said they have some leeway on prices so he knocked off $22.
I was like cool! Should be delivered by Friday.