You can still buy a normal truck...no one says you have to buy the super luxury truck...they make plenty of models in the cloth seat vinyl floor models if that's your thing, and everything in between.
I found a tradesmen, crew cab, bench seat, IBC, back up camera, cloth seats and carpet in 2wd with around 1500 lbs of payload...oh yea, it was an Ecodiesel as well.
They make for a pretty good truck...see them all the time around here...seems to be the pilot truck of choice for oversized load for a local trucking company.
Would make a great daily driver that occasionally tows a moderate load.
Not sure the ED is compensating for anything...if someone wants a hot rod I would buy the Hemi.
Thanks!
Jeremiah