First, there is no 5.0 HO. It doesn’t exist. The 5.0 makes 400HP in truck configuration, you’re not going to get another 100 out of it. Especially not without sacrificing more low end torque, which is already in short supply on that engine. Even Mustang 5.0 lost 10HP and 10lb-ft for 2022 due to emissions requirements; you’re not getting 500 in a truck application.
There is nothing “greedy” about not offering a less powerful, less capable, less efficient engine in a halo product. A 5.0 Raptor wouldn’t be able to get out of its own way, it does not have a torque curve suited for a heavy truck on 35’s.
The take rate for the 5.0 is well below the EcoBoost engines, so your theory of “selling like hot cakes” simply doesn’t have any substance.
The vast majority of buyers are not going to choose a less powerful, less capable, less efficient engine based solely on a sound difference. It’s not logical.