Ford has changed the transmission programming over the years. I don’t exactly think the skip shifting is causing failure as Ford continues to use it in some makes and models. Tuners figured out in 2017 that skip shifting was partly responsible for awkward feeling shifts. People also figured out that Ford was not putting enough trans fluid in them from the factory. With some tuning and proper fluid level, most complaints about the 10r80 could be eliminated.
The 10R80 is actually a stout unit. Mustang guys are pushing 800 horsepower through them. F150 guys are lugging around heavy travel trailers. But it has to be maintained! Fords 150k service interval on them is insane. I service mine every 30k. On factory tuning I still had the occasional goofy feeling shifts, but tuned with Gearhead now the shifting is perfect.
The 2022 F150 at my work shifts completely different than the 2020 F150 we have or my old 2019 F150 I had. It doesn’t really skip gears unless under very specific conditions. My 2018 Expedition shifted like the 19 and 20 F150 when it was stock until I had it tuned by Gearhead. Tuned my 18 Expedition shifts a lot like the 22 F150 I have at work. However our 23 Explorer at work still skip shifts.
What was the failure point on your 10 speed? Did they actually diagnose it and determine the fault? Or did they just feel some wonky 3-5 shifts like everyone else has and just tell you that you need a trans? Doesn’t make much sense to trade a vehicle in just because it needs a trans, but then buy the same transmission again in your new vehicle. Especially if it was potentially a fluid or programming issue. Just curious what the actual failure was? Did you ever replace the fluid and filter in those 80,000 miles? Even if the CDF drum failed (which is a common issue in some), a simple rebuild would have had you back on the road for well under $9,000. Should have gotten another shops opinion.