"Thing is that for 99% of Americans and the vast majority of truck buyers that is overkill."
Yeah ... well tell that to my 10K dump trailer and 12K flatbed.
The big towing accident always happen to people when they "think" they have enough truck. Overkill as you put it, is a good thing when towing heavy. The Tundra and Titan are good little race trucks but can't pull S@it and more importantly!!!! can't STOP the load due to their wimpy size/weight/brakes.
At least in my truck (Dodge Cummins diesel) I can have an exhause brake to help stop the load.
Next time you tool down the highway and see a nice big 5th wheel camper or one of the new hotshoter's pulling a three car carrier with their Dully trucks ... imagine one of those "Toy" trucks pulling them ... then you'll understand.
Those stupid Toyota/Nissan commercials showing their "trucks" pulling BIG loads are full of crap! And will get people killed when they "think" they can pull that big new boat with their Tundra but can't STOP IT!
Most people though just need a truck to carry the occasional bit of furnature, get them off road a bit, and maybe once in a while tow a small boat. I agree with you that something like a 3500 Chevy is best for someone who needs to haul a lot or who work on a farm. That isn't most users though.