It seems like the clear adhesive tapes (made especially for this purpose by companies like 3M) are the best way to protect against paint chips around the front hood area. The vinyl masks are not practical and the plastic visors are only for trucks.
According to the sources the clear tape is effective in protecting against the paint chips. Reportedly, the tapes do not affect the paint warranty. So the question is why the protective tapes are not more popular.
Many Toyota dealerships heard about such tapes and had no negative comments about them. However, none carried the tapes in their parts shop. Their repair or body shops never installed such tapes. One local company that tints the car windows says it installs the tapes but so far the main interest was from owners of race cars.
Am I missing here? The vast majority of paint chips occur on the front hood and they are ugly. But, a tape to cover front hood and surrounding areas is only about $100.