A good rule of thumb is: if they give it to you then you have to use it. I don't like the way front plates look either which is one reason I am glad I live in michigan.
The police around here in the nw burbs of Chicago enforce the front plate law in a very strict manner, same with tint. That's why I have my plate on and only my rear 3 windows are tinted.
I worked in Appleton for a while. We talked to some higher ups at the time. They said if your car didnt originally come with a setup for it. Then you didnt have to run it. Such as my dads Cobra kit car, that would be a no go
I've lived in WI for the last 5 years, and have been warned once about no front plate on my LX. The car was originally from Florida, so it had no bracket, and I refuse to drill holes in my LX's bumper cover to put one on there.
I worked in Appleton for a while. We talked to some higher ups at the time. They said if your car didnt originally come with a setup for it. Then you didnt have to run it.
I don't know who told you that, but State and County police will still give you a kit for it. Friends dad bought his '86 GT new in Mich. and they do not require a front plate. Cops didn't care. Either put one on or pay the fine.