I'll make this as plain as I can.
I have an 01 F350 DRW 4x4 6.8 with 91,000 miles.

Here's the history of the problem.
About 3 years ago, I had towed my large pontoon boat to the river, backed into boat launch position, truck died, would not restart. I got some tools and disconnected the battery, and reconnected, thinking maybe it would reset the ECM. It took about half an hour to get tools and do the deed. It restarted, ok fine.
About a year later, I had towed my music trailer to a gig, parked the truck to find out where I needed to be, hopped in truck, would not start. I thought about the boating incident, and decided to just wait a while, about an hour later, it started, ok fine.
Each of these times cranking was strong, as it should be, no battery problems.
Each of these times, it would "attempt" to start, and sound as though it were just running on a couple of cylinders, then die within seconds. Giving throttle made no difference at all.
So, fast forward to yesterday. I had just gotten back home from towing the larger pontoon /houseboat, and parked in the drive. I decided I needed to move the truck/trailer, and again, would not start, It cranked normally, but would "hit" on a couple of cylinders, then die. This time I waited about half an hour, then it started, but ran very rough, as though starving for fuel. This went on for about a minute, then seemed to clear up and run ok. Today went to start the truck, cranked normally, but no start, no attempt to start.
Again, it cranks good and strong.

Is there a known fuel system failure on these trucks?
Something along the lines of the "mechanical diode" like I just had to replace.
I realize there is no connection between the two things, just looking for a common failure or place to look first. I have the full Ford Service Manual set, but not the powertrain diagnostics manual.

I am a fair technician, just need some guidance on this problem.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

 

I forgot to mention, I hooked up my scanner, with live data, and it shows the TPS to be working properly, as it cycles up and down with the throttle pedal.
And during cranking, it register RPM's, So at least the CPS is working.