WM --
I guess that you've confirmed my "thoughts" with the OP. He lives in flatland... and only tows infrequently - and the gas truck - while not what I'd buy - would be "fine" and I think that's what information he was looking for.
I get HORRIBLE milage... Pstroke 6.0L - With Banks Big Hoss bundle so every option they make.... but I have a 1 ton dually - with 4:10 gears... I pull a heavy (relatively) trailer that is LOADED with stuff... as in full tool box - compressor - 8000# winch and battery... generator... ez ups - cabinets and overheads... floor jack (not a little hydraulic bottle jack) and fully finished inside... so the trailer is a little heavier than a comparable sized "plain jane" version. My Nomad weighs in at 4023 lbs. I get no difference in towing that or the '32. Best I've ever gotten is 11.2 MPG. The truck weighs 9000 #'s empty. But it goes like stink and NOBODY is going to pull a hill faster.
Totally agree with your statement re: our cars etc... it's never a matter of "need" -- just desire and floating your own boat - whatever that takes.
My next truck will be a SportChassis size -- and a trailer with living quarters etc -- and I will option the truck with the biggest HP diesel engine available... just because I can't do it any other way and be happy/satisfied. There is ZERO need for any of it. I just want it.