It probably triggers some unexpected cascade effect of weight or parts compatibility or regulation compliance.

Weight can be a big factor in CAFE.  When Ford was building the Lincoln LS around 2002 they had to delete the subwoofers and rear headrests from the v8 sport models because that little bit of weight put them in a different CAFE class and would have triggered a gas guzzler tax.

Wiki says both are CGI

I'd also venture to guess that once you loaded up a Big Bend vs a Outer Banks (the lowest trim you can get with the V6) the price wasn't that different.   I was torn between getting the Outer Banks vs the Big Bend, but at the end of the day the larger screen (at the time) and some other stuff wasn't worth the extra money IMO.  I was messing around with the 2026 Bronco configuration and I was slightly surprised at the results I was getting with pricing-I was looking at the Big Bend/Outer Banks and Badlands-and the pricing was similar to one another-I was getting anywhere from $55-61K with the options I was picking.   The one thing that kinda pissed me off with the build and price is the painted roof colors options seem very limited on the Outer Banks-you can't get a Ruby Red OB with a Ruby Red Top, but they will sell you a Marsh Grey OB with a Ruby Red top-WTAF?! One the Badlands you can get a body color matched top without any issues....

The info I got said only 2500lb, but apparently that was increased with the refresh. 

Nope. The Maverick hybrid with AWD is rated to tow 4000 lbs. Towing was largely the reason Ford developed the HF55 eCVT. generations: HF35->HF45->HF55

Well sheesh. There ya go. Yep, 8ft bed is the 176in wheel base. Weird how its not compatible. If at all, post delivery or just from the factory.    dang looks like I just missed it. Guess you could order it before but not anymore. Is there a place where i can keep up with the latest order guide? Ive only been finding the May one. 

Oooooh someone’s getting fired for that one! 

As someone who clearly does a lot of special orders for a living you already know the answer, Simplicity. The amount of ways you can option a Bronco at one point matched or exceeded (depending on who you talked to) what they build at Dearborn. 

Ahhh, OK, that makes sense.