Several things probably went into the 6.2L/6R100 decision; we've discussed this before. In no particular order ...
- the 6.2L does not produce anywhere enough torque to challenge the 6r140; the 6R100 is a good match for torque of the 6.2L
- the F-150 series is going to the 10-spd, that frees up capacity from the 6r80 production line; capacity that can be shifted to the Super Duty use (it's my understanding that the 6R100 is just a beefed up 6R80)
- the 6R100 does have less internal mass; this aids both performance (less inertia to overcome means quicker revs) and efficiency (less mass to turn means less parasitic drag for better fuel economy)
- the 6R100 does not offer the PTO, but that's primarily a feature used in heavier trucks and often with diesels, so the 6R140 is the go-to for PTO. PTO is a small market demand by percentage, so the F-250 does not really experience sales loss in not offering the PTO. If a truck buyer decides his situation commands a "MUST HAVE the PTO" feature, he's forced to buy a F350 and/or diesel; probably a direction he was already headed anyway.
- the cost of making the 6R100 is likely less than the 6R140

I'll remind you that the 6R80 was behind the "old" 3.5L EB, which had about the same torque as the "new" 6.2L, and no one complained about it in that application. Now, they've upped the torque capacity of the trans. Where's the risk here? Overall, a win/win situation; Ford gets to sustain production volume and save money on a less expensive trans, and we get a proven, reliable unit that gives us more perceived power and better economy.

 

In fairness to the OP, I think we got a little off track, even if it is part of the debate over the differences between the '16's & earlier vs. the '17's & newer. I'm as guilty as the next guy in assuming that every move that a large corporation makes is a cost-cutting measure that results in an inferior product. I thought the '17's offered many improvements over the '16's. I test drove the '17's when they came out & loved them. The wife didn't. I'm in a '16. End of story.

To answer the OP's question. If you like the '17's & newer & they fit your budget, you'll be a happy man. If they are still too rich for your blood, then the '16's & older are equally capable of handling your needs. As Ron stated in one of the first posts, if you're looking for throttle response, look for the 4.30 rear end. That being said, the 3.73 rear end will still handle your needs and will give you better fuel economy as long as you stay out of it. Good luck!

 

I had a 2016 F250 Lariat with the 6.2 and 4.30 rear end. Absolutely loved the truck. Unfortunately, due to the need for more payload to haul our slide in truck camper I traded it for a 2017 F350 XLT Premium package with the 6.2 and 3.73 rear end. Absolutely love the truck.

I will say I liked the inside of the 2011-2016 models better than my 2017. Seems like a small thing but I loved the type of dash vents they used in the older style versus the standard type vents everyone has used for years in my 2017. I also liked the cubby hole on the dash that opened up in my 2016 and my 2017 does not have it. Those are small things that I would change if I could but overall, my 2017 is a great truck and though it has 3.73's, for what I do I do not wish I had the 4.30's I had in my other truck. Yea, it may downshift a little quicker but not to the point where I am irritated by it. I will say though that my new one, even though it is a one ton is more responsive than my 3/4 ton truck was. That is probably because of the increase in torque with the 6.2 starting in 2017.

I like how the 2017's sit higher and the look has really grown on my and I really like it. I don't miss the Lariat package I had before as my new one with the XLT and Premium package gives me all of the things I actually use and none of them that I don't care about. My heated seats with the cloth seats heat up a lot faster and get a lot hotter than with the Lariat and leather seats on my other truck.

I know used vehicles are really bringing a premium today so my guess is you would be able to get a new one for about the same money as a used one. Good luck in your search.