I’ve owned several Diesel engines...
I made the mistake of going back to gasoline for all of the reasons you stated..
I’ll be correcting that mistake shortly.
Buying the gas engine in a SD is like buying a four banger in a Mustang..
Some will say otherwise, but those who want power will not be opting for half, especially when Ford is ready to offer a real monster diesel..
The truck forums are in agreement that the final 7.3L numbers are a disappointment. Most were expecting at least 500-550 torque numbers, and not a weaker 475. No one cares about acceleration times in a HD, but if you were, the new diesel will drop the same 475, but coupled with turbo power. ..in fact will probably be quicker than the gas engines, especially with the new 10 speed that will keep the engine RPM planted in the sweet spot.
It’s a great price point for fleet engine buyers or companies looking for a lower initial cost and lower maintenance. Great for those who can’t swing the price of a diesel, and maybe for those who plow snow and use the truck in extreme cold weather situations...But no one who wants or needs torque to RV, or tow commercially will buy one over a diesel. If they do, it will be short term just like me. The fuel numbers will be abysmal towing with gasoline, and the torque is less than half, which is disappointing mile after mile of driving a slug.
Diesel engines totally dominate Super Duty sales for one reason, torque.
And when Ford develops a completely redesigned 6.7L making 1,050 lbs of torque below 2,000RPM with a new fuel system working at 36,000 PSI, new forged pistons, new combustion chamber, new turbo with electronic control, and nothing will change, but rather increase.