If your point is that for $41k you can get a fancy car or luxury this or that...maybe its a good point for people who do not want a 4x4 that can off road stock pretty darn well (that is SR5, TEP, or Pro), and want to keep it for 20 years and not worry about dumping all kinds of money into repairs and upkeep....I only drive 4x4s, never owned a car in my life (I am in my 40s), and I normally buy used trucks and Jeeps, because I lift them and get addicted to all sorts of mods, and used to wheel more, hunt more, camp more, explore more. So yea buy a used one and mod it up for far less than brand new. But I was looking for something to drive daily, around town or long road trips, for the next two decades, and to wheel eventually. Even when I start wheeling I can leave the TRD plain stock, and the little lift up front and upgraded suspension plus a locker will take me many many places, probably further than my driving ability is capable of. For me to dump $41k was not an easy decision, but I made it for the next two decades that I will be smiling and enjoying it. $7k spread out over 20-30 years is not that big of a deal. I priced it, picking out tires, rims, a modest lift kit, and the cost of labor in LA it would not behoove me to get a Trail and then worry if it was all done right and any warranty issues. An SR5, I do not even know what the availability is of aftermarket rear lockers, but I am guessing they are EXPENSIVE, and I sure as heck do not want anyone opening up my brand new rear diff and playing around.
I love pickup trucks, and I cannot even touch a nice full size single cab short bed truck for the price of a 4runner....everything 4x4 is expensive as heck these days....
Bottom line for me, I do not care what 4x4 you drive as long as it suits YOU....I love Jeeps, pickup trucks, and 4runners....and I just saw a red or maroon SR5 that looked amazing, and I was like dang I could rock that and be happy! I give thumbs up to any nice 4x4 I see, regardless of brand or model...We are all in the same community, and heck someday they might be trying to take away our 4x4s and lift kits because they are not good enough on gas etc...we better stick together...Maybe I should make a bumper sticker and t-shirt company, Pro-God, Pro-Guns, Pro-Lifted 4x4s