If Scout were to start development today with an anticipated 2031 model year release then I think I would prefer your suggestion as I really don't care about the frunk.1. Stubbornness in the face of customer feedback also isn't a good look.
2. The point of this original thread was giving up the frunk if you want the Harvester. No one is asking for everything without compromise. Pick two: Harvester, Frunk, towing capacity. Scout decided to give up towing capacity to preserve the frunk. Some of us disagree with that and would gladly give up a frunk for being able to tow a medium-sized camper or boat.
3. We're not asking for "incredible" towing capacity, but reasonable for a full size truck. As-is the Harvester would only beat my Maverick's towing capacity by 1000 lbs, which sounds ridiculous for a truck expected to be ~2000 lbs heavier.
But this is just too big of a development restart from their original electric only vision to hit the 2028 MY goal. I'd rather them meet or slightly exceed their stated design goals, price and timeline than make a big change. These kinds of scope change and creep are why products get so delayed and expensive.
5,000 lb should be totally adequate for a medium sized boat. It's on the small end for RVs.
I still think they have the opportunity as-is to get the Terra Harvester closer to 7,000 lbs towing. The Traveler was already there and it may take a bigger hit. I also think we may see a split rating like 5,000 indefinite fuel and go range and 7,000 requiring charging and gas fill up at about 200 mile intervals.