I think the speculation over a better motor coming seems logical to me. Let's learn from history...2010, the Raptor is announced with a disappointing 5.4 motor. On a personal note...I really wished it came with a crew cab too. Good things come to those who wait!
Now, I get the point that some people have to buy the 2017 so that they'll keep making them. I for one might bite if I had a 2010, 2011 model year with some high mileage...but I personally have a 2014. I feel like that gives me the luxury of waiting and watching.
I've made the point before as have many others, to look at Ford's Diesel issues over the past 10-15 years. The 7.3 power stroke was bulletproof. Ford, influenced by emission requirements (uh hum uh hum) shrunk the motor. Didn't turn out so great for them. I realize that Ford is a huge company with lots of smart people...but just realize the latest and greatest isn't always that. I wouldn't be surprised by Ford introducing a larger motor within a few years of 2017. It might still only be a 5.0 V6, but id much prefer that (as many others would) to a tiny V6. I for one am not a believer in the Eco-Boost program. I am glad that I may have one of the last of the "dinosaur" large V8's and won't be in any rush to sell.
Just let you know, the 2010 Raptor was not introduced with the 5.4, it was introduced with the 6.2 but they could not get it out in time for Job 1 so it was decided to release it with the 5.4 knowing that it was under powered. They had to meet the timing for the Raptor release. As for the diesels that could take many pages to inform you of just what happened between International harvester and Ford