Problem with light-duty pickup trucks is that they are substituting for the old "family CAR" of old. Hauling capability, seats 5 people, creature comforts, possible V-8 power, AND rear wheel drive. I noticed this first with the Chevy Tahoes, whose owners wanted something RWD rather than FWD and could afford the fuel for them. BTAIM.
ONE thing I've seen more of lately is a short bed RAm 1500 with Hemi power (evidenced by the rear bumper and exhaust tips). Ought to be a nice ride!
I saw some sales figures for a year or so ago of F-150s. The vast majority were 4-doors, tailed by the extended cab 2-doors and finally the single cab models (usually 8' bed length). Several years ago, there were some Silverado 1500 short bed single cabs on the lots. Usually with mid-level and above options on them. But were a bit pricey.
I suspect there will always be "work truck" level trucks, with rubber floor mats and limited luxury options. Even with 8' beds . . . what might be termed "a proper pickup truck", like we had in 1970.
As for manual transmissions? GM hasn't built a manual trans pickup truck since the later '80s. When they had issues with the hydraulic clutch bending actuator pushrods. They claimed no need for manual trans with lock-up torque converters. Might also have been additional certification costs, too, for emissions? The HD pickups had the Allison automatic transmission option.
The "automatic trans only" situation might have also generated the wimpy "park assist brake" rather than REAL parking brakes?
We have a single cab 8' bed pickup truck at work. It has a more traditional feel to it than the 4-dr I drive daily, at work. Completely different orientations, between them.
To me, those Ram 1500 short-bed Hemis just look RIGHT! Not high off the ground, either, at stock ride height! Might need some air bags under the rear for hauling?
Enjoy!
CBODY67