So I think that there are two separate points there, but both valid. If your argument is that the increase in price has not been met with a linear increase in quality, you and I are in full agreement. The price:value ratio isn't what it once was; Not even close.
On the other subject ("based on a $25,000 truck"): A buddy of mine just purchased a '19 XLT with a sticker of $55k, which is $19k below my Raptor. And there are five models above an XLT. My thoughts on the matter are that extra $19k is pretty notable (for brevity's sake, I won't get into the items that justify that increase). My point is that even the "cheap" F150s are selling for $50k+. If the delta were, hypothetically, between a $20k Focus and a $70k Focus, I think the monetary value vs expectations argument is much more palatable. But for the real world XLT vs Raptor, there are only so many improvements you can squeeze out of that extra $19k.
And apologies if I made it seem like those concerned about the corrosion were babies. I only levied that attitude against someone who started taking cheap shots. As I said, I'm glad tabs2000 was able to get his issue worked out. And as I also noted, I added a ceramic coat to my Raptor, so clearly I do believe in vanity in some regard.... Just not on the undercarriage. ;-)
