One transfer case has the electric shift mechanism and the other has the manual shift with exterior linkage. On the 2016 and older trucks, it used to be the NVG271 (manual) and 273 (electric) cases. But starting in 2017, the transfer case is a new design, with less of a low-range reduction than before. As for the hubs, they are essentially the same design as used before, vacuum operated. You could use the auto hubs on a manual system I suppose, but you'd still have the vacuum mechanism in there. Not sure if this might cause problems down the road or not. Swapping out hubs is not hard. Cutting through the floor...just remember, it is aluminum.

A modern Super Duty has traction control as standard...in your scenario you wouldn't have needed the tow because the brakes would be pulsed on the spinning wheel...sending power to the wheel on dry gravel. If you optioned for the driver-selectable locking rear end, even better.

I just hate having to get out of the vehicle to lock hubs when I want to be able to use 4x4...or hate having to burn extra fuel and put extra wear and tear on the axle u-joints by leaving the hubs liocked all the time. I've had two trucks with manual shift and 4 with auto. I'm sold on the auto.

 

Technically, if you can live with an error message, all you would need to do is swap the T-case and throw in some manual hubs. Done!
The auto version is only "superior" in your mind because you prefer it. For me, the MSOS is superior. Now who's right? What we can do, is thank Ford for offering both systems so we have options...unlike the other brands.

I have ESOF because my dealership screwed up my order! I ordered MSOS. So in the future, I will be swapping parts to fix it once the vacuum system starts to deteriorate and/or the electric motor goes out.

 

If reliability were of no concern I think everyone would agree the automatic case is superior. I will admit I enjoy moving a mechanical lever rather than turning a plastic ****. But I hate having to get out and manually turn in hubs, or leave them locked in all the time. That said, I think the reliability of the ESOF system is definitely better than most people admit. And its a bit more involved to swap parts than you say. You will have to cut the hole in the floor and install the linkage; purchase the floor shifter and plastic shift guide. There is also probably a solenoid in the system that prevents a shift from into 4-low without the trans being in neutral and speed being less than 5mph. That is probably built into the linkage and may require proper harness connections and reprogramming to ever be able to use low range.