Landings versus steps for extending front porch

I don't see any issue with the porch being 3 inches lower than the threshold on the front door. I also don't see how curb appeal is going to be improved by 'step down' landings on each side of the porch. When I look at the top photo, the first thing that gets my attention is the lack of a cosmetic boundary at the first floor level, something that separates the house from that which supports the house. The solution shown in the lower photo doesn't do the job, but looks much more expensive to build than a simple cosmetic boundary. Why not step the porch down to the driveway on the right (if that's what I'm seeing there)? That's in addition to the cosmetic boundary.

source https://www.inspectorsjournal.com/topic/18898-landings-versus-steps-for-extending-front-porch/?do=findComment&comment=172628