I am evaluating several optic choices.

Hard to do without actually checking them out on a rifle.

From your collective experiences, would a lower profile be better?  I would think that keeping the sight height down would reduce impact potential and damage, even with rubber coating.

Am I overanalyzing this??

Thanks guys.
Mike

p.s. This will be mounted on a flattop w/an ARMS 38.

Once you do try a few on your rifle(s), you'll realize why all AR-type optics are designed to center the reticle in about the same spot (which is ~1.5").  All other things being equal, wouldn't you want a standard, comfortable cheekweld whilst you're shooting?
The military has been using roughly the same "profile" as tactically/logistically possible for years, & I can assure you all those milspec sighting devices were rather ergonomically/optically designed w/ the shooter in mind.  
(Yes, you're overanalyzing this, methinks.)
The ARMS #38 already raises your platform ~.5", by the way.  So how low can you go?

Close - its ~[b]2.5"[/b].