Nerf bars vs. Running boards

what is the difference that I am missing, other than the obvious nerf bars seem to be round or oval, running boards.... flat..... can anyone shed light on to why running boards seem to almost be double the price? Thanks

 

nerf bars very easy to manufacture

running boards require more steps and labor to manufacture

hense, cost more

 

My truck had the factory nerf bars on it when I bought it. They were off within the first 24 hours! I like functional sliders and the factory running boards on my wife's 4 runner and even my FJ40 but the nerf bars just looked really stuck on.

 

Thanks, would you say running boards are better ground clearance, or more functional than nerf bars? Or you just like the looks better of running boards...?