Tend to agree with you, A lunge has a purpose in the weight room, not as a shock absorption exercise, I suggest running into a brick wall will serve that purpose.
As a lead up to plyometrics using the rudies and based on a biomechanical theory, the most force is produced in the mid range of joint/muscle movement. Starting with the rear leg_ the foot is to be at 90’ to the floor on toes, the lower leg is to be parrallel to the ground, the thigh is to be vertical (majority of weight to be on this leg) trunk to be slightly forward, upper leg to be parrallel to floor, lower leg to be vertical to floor, heel off ground, weight on ball of foot, hold for no more than 8 seconds. The first sensation will be I am falling sideways. When that is mastered you change feet, next do so at speed with no vertical movement. There is a progression to plyos starting with boxes then up to 6 hurdles (over 2m apart swapping legs rudie style in the air landing on opposite leg)
Pull me apart.