Glad that helped. Western boxing definately compliments the more traditional striking techniques of Thai. Of course MT has excellent upper body strikes, but learning the additional combinations and strikes of western boxing is defiantely an asset. Just remember that many strikes in MT are developed to set up for follow up strikes(elbow, knee, etc). But, if you can become strong in western boxing, you'll know when to bring in the JKD aspect of a non-hesitant flowing transition between one and the other, creating a better art. And no, you don't have to keep the traditionally high guard of MT up. You're hands can be considerably lower(more appropriate for western) and still react quickly with Thai techniques. I never really had to condition my heels. I actually trained my forarms prior to studying Muay Thai with the use of Wing Chun drills that bash up your forearms pretty good if you do them for that. Be careful with your knees bro, use heavy bags, thai pads, and such, they're much more apt to damage than shins or forearms. My old inistructor use to import this illegal topical analgesic stuff from Nepal that we'd use on our shins and forearms that worked wonders. I can't remember the name of the crap because it wasn't exactly written in English. I'll find out if I can still get that stuff, or tell you where you can find it.
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