The weak link in a 1/2 ton is the RAWR. You can add better tires or airbags but you still can't carry any more because of the low RAWR. Look at 3/4-1 tons. The RAWR is 6-7000lbs. Add that to the front of 45-5500lbs and you have 10,000+lb GVW's. You will exceed the GVW before the RAWR on most.
With 1/2 tons the RAWR is more closely tied into the GVW. Ford for example has 3850 FAWR and 4050 RAWR. Adds up to 7850. Maxtow GVW is around 7700lbs. You won't reach the GVW when loading the truck since most weight goes in the rear.
Both 1/2 and 3/4 tons have about the same rear axle dry weight. 2700+lbs. Now figure 4050lbs RAWR for an F150 and 6000+lbs for the 3/4 ton and you can see the that the 3/4 ton has more wiggle room.
Too sum it all up it's the RAWR that limits 1/2 tons and that ties into payload.