I think the tailgate looks useful. And yes, I "use" my trucks, but I also take care of them and don't abuse them. I suspect this mechanism will be as good and as reliable as the normal part of a pivoting tailgate.
The older I get, the less I like to have to lean over to work on small projects, so the height of this looks like a convenient place to work on some of small projects I seem to be constantly working on at the back end of my truck, both around the horse barn or at the CG when tinkering with the travel trailer.
As to the styling of any of these brands, I don't get the arguing over it all. Styling is subjective. One man's beauty queen, another man sees as a pooch. Doesn't mean a thing.