One can debate the use of any TV and TT combination. But the fact remains folks use what they like and feel comfortable with or can afford.
I had a buddy who towed a 28 ft. TT with Dakota pick up. Two hundred miles twice a year for a two week stay. It took him two years to get the RAM pickup he wanted. I believe frontal area was not much of a concern at the time.
My F-150 recommends 60 sq.ft. for towing, my TT is 8 feet wide and about 8 ft tall. I never really measured it because it was like every other TT on the lot and it had the floor plan and weight I want.
Frontal area is like the type of roof material, interesting to know but very low on the list of reasons to buy.