It was posted by several reliable sources in the past that the 250 and 350s have an effect on the CAFE ratings. (Ford insiders)

In states that see snow you are going to want 4wd especially if you ever want to resell the vehicle. People don't want 2wd vehicles in my area.

Hook a 10k lb trailer up to an Excursion and then hook one up to an EL Expedition. I'd bet money you'll like pulling with the Excursion better.

If the Excursion was built on the current SD platform it would more than likely have a GVWR around 10k lbs.

Exactly right. When I go on vacation with the truck loaded with cargo and people and a 3k lb boat in tow I know I'm pretty darn close to my 8800 GVWR. (but nowhere near my max GCWR) I should get weighed sometime. Look at the F-150 Screw, the payload is very small, I could overload that with just the stuff in the bed. Thats what keeps me out of an F-150.