The fuel price is temporary. Gasoline isn't cheap right now either. Still, crunching the numbers. If you're not pulling or hauling, your point is well taken. On the other hand, I don't have my Spyder (multiple Spyders) because they save me money. I just like having them.
I love my diesel truck. It's paid for and I really enjoy what it brings to the table. But I agree, a diesel Excursion is not the same thing.
I helped my buddy move from Fairfax, VA to Greeneville, TN. He had the exact same F-250 as mine with the the V-10 gas engine. He pulled a 10k pound trailer. I pulled his 15K # trailer. Pulling the first big hill, he called on the FM radio I always use when convoying to say, 'Hey! Why are you going so fast?' I said, 'I'm just doing the speed limit'. I could hear his engine screaming in the background. Then looking in my mirror, I understood why he was calling. I could barely see him way back behind me.
I said, 'You should be able to catch up on the downhill side!'
He wasn't too thrilled with that.