Looking at new trucks that is a term I have heard more then once, from both brands.
Towing capacity has been a numbers game (keeps changing), but both GM and Ford are in the 22K range with the DRW. The 450 is 2500 heavier I think.
They each have advantages over the other, but not any real disadvantages. Except - the Ford has the new engine and trans. But that said, I have been following two Ford truck forums and there seem to be very minimal issues and rave reviews from the new setup.
Not quite. The F450 is only around 250 lbs heavier than the F350. The only difference is a few suspension components and the 4.30 differential. The result is a slight decrease in payload. When we bought our F450 the difference was 130 lbs payload for a F350 vs F450 (crew cab, 4X4), now they've added a 13,300 lb GVW so the difference is a little more, link below. The towing is 24,400 in the 450 and 21,700 in the 350, so a difference of 2700 lbs. Both should suffice, you'll get a little more pulling power with the 450 differential and a little better fuel ecomony with the 350. Take your pick.
I was able to get regular insurance on the 350. I was misquoted, but my insurance company stuck with their quote. You can always explain (as I did) that the 2011 F450 and F350 are the same and the GVWR is almost identical and well below the 14,000 lb cutoff for 'commercial' vehicles and they may give you regular insurance (as they should). I'd make sure you get a quote before you decide to buy.
As for bailouts. Ford did not and has not taken a bailout. They did finance their company a couple years before the bailouts because they were in the crapper. However, they did this on their own without government assistance. They recently took a $600 million LOAN from the government along with many other automakers. The loan was to retool for more fuel efficient bla bla bla. It was another government handout in the form of a low interest (or perhaps no interest) loan to help 'create jobs' and 'stimulate automakers for more efficient vehicles'. It was not a bailout. It's just good business to take a low interest loan and it's no different than taking a deduction on your taxes. You don't need the deduction, but it's financially stupid to not take it.
We also couldn't turn down the savings and drove 900 miles for our 3950. It had the same tires, wheels, walls, electronics, etc. as all the ones we checked out on the lots. The difference was over $10k and we got to pick our options and have one made to our liking (it's hard to find dual pane windows on a lot). I'll gladly take over $11/mile and save. As far as warranty service, I haven't taken it in. We opted for a 5 year warranty which covers everything and it covers remote service (the repairman will come to you if necessary). If we don't use our warranty in 5 years, we get our money back. If we use it for ANYTHING, even a 50 cent plastic clip, we don't get it back. I'm opting for not using it since I can usually fix just about anything.
Best of luck to you. I'm sure you'll enjoy your 3850 as we have enjoyed our 3950.
http://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty/specifications/payload/