Just to update this thread:
I ended up taking the truck to the dealer for service for other issues which I hate doing. I had them look into the reverse light issues at the same time. As it turns out, the computer detected "non factory wiring" in the reverse light circuit and it shut down that circuit. Fixing it was just a matter of re-setting the computer. Of course, without the Ford computer I never would have found this and could have beat my head against the wall even more. I assume my non-factory tail light bulbs are what caused the issue which I had swapped back to factory before bringing it to the dealer. Hope this might be helpful for someone.