I guess I am lucky to live in a cloud state, rather than a sun state. I have no plastic issues with my 04, and I can tear off 12 hours in the driver's seat, no problem. I also would have no problem hooking up my 10k fifth wheel and drive diagonal across the country for a visit. I purposely avoid the opportunity to drive a new truck, makes me continue to appreciate what I have. Don't know about your state, but up here, the sales tax alone on a truck upgrade would pay for your transmission rebuild. Paying sales tax will not add to your driving enjoyment. The depreciation alone on a new truck will pay for the rest of your upgrades.
No doubt the new trucks are more capable. Simplicity has its merits. Changed my oil and fuel filter earlier this week. Less than sixty bucks for everything. Your dash may be cracking, but you don't have a CEL staring at you all the time. I'm sticking with my truck, it does the job.