I tow trailers frequently with half tons as well. I can confirm that a 5-700lb tongue weight doesn’t have a discernible effect on steering feel.
Or think about it this way. Take 2 otherwise similar trucks. One with a V8. One with a V6. Safe to presume the V6 might weigh 100-200 lbs less. Is the V6 too light or unsafe to drive?
Or, frankly even noticeable?
So many more factors that go into steering and braking “performance” to worry about this, unless one is also worried about everything else. Got half worn out OEM pavement pounder tires? They’ll affect steering and braking as much or more than even several hundred lbs off the front in different conditions. Is it unsafe to run anything but the best tires with full tread?
Of course not.
It’s all good though. Different folks have different comfort levels. And I’m just trying to provide my point of view. And while some folks are very adamant or absolute about things that are relatively minor, to the point of speaking falsehoods sometimes, I believe it helps folks who are unsure to see both sides of the coin so to speak.
I totally understand someone new to towing should/will be extra super cautious. And im just used to towing basically whatever with whatever. So the opposite of someone towing their first trailer. But I have gained enough experience, Good and bad, to understand how various setups can or will handle. And I’d never suggest something dangerous or risky.
