I started driving in the late 50's so I grew up with the muscle cars of the 60's and 70's. I never had a true muscle car but did have some big V8's. Back then you either had a stick or a 3 speed auto...
I have both the 6.7 and the 6.2. You are correct. It does sort of seem the truck has to think real quick "which gear do I pick?" when you stomp it. But when it gets it, it goes. The 6.2 by itself is a good engine. I did have to reprogram it and that has helped a little bit. But the reason I bought my 6.7 was I was just so tired of towing the camper with the 6.2.