I had that slow reving 5.0 in my '99. While it was a good engine, it fails to compare to the new options available. Ford in my eyes is making awesome innovative strides in the marketplace. When you remain tied to older technology and things that may have worked in the past, you will ultimately fail. This is a good thing for Ford.
Not to mention, less than 1% of Explorer owners ever hauled anything more than grocery bags or even a bag of mulch from a home improvement store. Ford has adapted to meet the needs of the majority of it's owners. It's still a "capable" off road hauler, but that's likely going to be for your beach trips and camping excursions. Which this new vehicle is perfectly suited for.