Obviously, I am not the average consumer here, as i never understood this mentality, whether we are talking about a new Fuso, a new F550 or a new Unimog, the premise is the same.
Why would I go spend 50k on a new FG and then add 100k - 200k into building it (ATW, EC, GXV, custom build, etc) all-the-while being constrained by one axle ratio, no lockers, wet clutch transmission, no transfer case, weird bolt pattern, 29" frame rails, one wheelbase, uncomfortable seats, dated interior amenities, etc.?
Why not buy a 10 - 15 year old FG for 15 - 20k and spend 30k making it how you want? Why not buy a 1999 FE for $2,000 like a friend of mine just did, leaving you with $48,000 to spend on custom suspension, 4WD conversion, interior, super singles, etc.? Older FG's and FE's should be more serviceable if you are traveling outside the US, as opposed to something brand new that everyone may not be up to speed on or have the tools to service.
People who have 250k to buy an Earthcruiser Fuso wont care about this and EC will continue to buy new chassis as long as it meets their needs, so that is irrelevant IMO.
If I were in the market for a new FG, I have no doubts that I could build an FG cab and chassis that would run circles around the 2015 version. The modified version would trump the 2015 with real lockers and a real transfer case, no emissions crap to kill fuel economy and comfortable seats. There would be a myriad of choices for final drive gear, lockers, transfer cases and wheel/tires due to using common parts like Dana, Atlas, Wilwood, Spicer, Superior, etc. Best of all it would have an air ride suspension that doesnt cost $8,000 or ride like an ox cart like the OEM versions do.
Once you have that cab and chassis, you can do whatever you want with it, but dont handicap yourself from the start because you want to go to a stealership and plunk down 50k+ for a new FG that really isnt all that great for RTW or Expedition Grade travel in many ways (emissions, ULSD, DEF, lots of electronics, etc)
just my .03