Corner Panels - I have a question

I have a 84 CJ7 (pic included) and I got some diamond plate corner panels from a friend. However the rivots weren't in there. My question is this.

Doesn't drilling in your tub make it weak?

No. The holes are under 1/4" and no not effect the tub structurally.

Does it promote rust in the long run?

Likely. If the corners are a dissimular metal to the Jeep tub, corrosion will take place. Assuming the metals are compatible, then you would need to keep out moisture to inhibit rust - so rust threat depends on how well you seal the area. In a dry area - maybe better to let in air to keep it dry. In PA, I sealed mine up to keep out water/salt ect. Prior owner did not seal it well and under the plates was lots of rust - he ran on NJ beaches alot too. The plates were aluminum so galvanic action was hard at work.

Or will it make the corners stronger?

Supposedly - a rock crawler can give more info on this than I. Mine, I presume, were for looks. I kept them on to hide the tub's rust damage (1985CJ).

What rivots should I use or will stanless bolts work ok? Should I put some type of sealant between the corner panel and the tub?
Rivets - smaller and look better IMHO: Probably doesn't matter - galvanic action will occur with any conducting material between the plates and tub. Non-metal fasteners would stop the galvanic action (if the plates didn't touch the tub) but are not strong enough to hold the plates in case they get used for their intended purpose.
-Drew M.