I've been an upper trim guy for just about ever. Lariats have been my level of standard since the 80's. Most of you young whipper-snappers won't remember when a Lariat was the top trim.... wait.... with cloth seats... wait.... AND manual roll-down windows WITHOUT power locks. In fact, some don't even know that you could get an XLT Lariat. It was one trim.
A few weeks ago, I decided an XLT would be my next truck, and brought it home. This XLT is nicer than my first Lariats. Sometimes I think that I may not want another Lariat or King Ranch. Then I pass a Lariat or Platinum with LED headlights, and realize that's one option they could give us XLT owners, but if needed, make the halos a different color. Why should I feel substandard because I can't get a simple set of LED headlights? If I need leather, I'll get better leather in aftermarket with a personal touch for $1100. That MIGHT be the only option I miss... maybe.
Frankly, the Ford knows their market, and they are milking it. While I think truck prices could come down substantially if American manufacturers took a lesson from foreign manufacturers by having few trim levels with few options that could be added to each, because each trim has a good base. Would I care if I have some options that I didn't want to get but they were included? No, because I believe we all, XL to Limited owners, are paying for all this variety. Make large options like sunroofs, the best stereo, better leather, the options to add. If someone doesn't like carpet, or power seats, select the base model and add a few options. But frankly, as long as Ford can sell trucks of all trims, they are going to make them regardless what I or anyone else thinks.