I think the point I'm making is that a work truck is more about efficiency and ease of use. Having to open a door and sift through a bunch of tool bags or whatever isn't going to be fun, fast, or easy. Same with the bed - I would not want to get into the bed of a truck and go to the very back to get my tools every time. And if I had loaded the bed with something - I'm really gonna be feeling the crunch.
A van can be a good work vehicle as well but I think for a lot of tasks - it's not the right one. Getting in and out of the van is an issue. And if you make it to where you're not getting in and out of the van then you're ultimately not utilizing the space fully. (Unless it opens from all sides I guess - but then you're dealing with doors again unless they fold onto the body all the way)
The article is mostly condemning conspicuous consumption - not really relevant to the points here.
Unless you're hauling bulk building material (plywood, sheetrock, soil, rock, brick, etc) I think a van is likely to be superior on all counts (and if may be superior for non-loose material like plywood and sheetrock still). Anything you can go to the back of a truck for, you can go to the back of a van for, but you can actually have multiple levels of items there if you set it up that way. Anything you would acess over the side of a truck bed should be easily accessed through a side door. A van can also support a small workspace within it, if that benefits your job. Since there's no wind or elements, you can store stuff in open topped containers inside, making access easier while still being secure and secured. You can also get a much larger cargo area in a van that in a work truck of the same size, being it easier to maneuver.
Unless you are top-loading something, there's very few things I can think of that a truck does better than a van. It's certainly possible you have more real world experience than me and can think of some things I'm glossing over though.
A van can be a good work vehicle as well but I think for a lot of tasks - it's not the right one. Getting in and out of the van is an issue. And if you make it to where you're not getting in and out of the van then you're ultimately not utilizing the space fully. (Unless it opens from all sides I guess - but then you're dealing with doors again unless they fold onto the body all the way)
The article is mostly condemning conspicuous consumption - not really relevant to the points here.