I'm seeing a lot of the new 2017 SuperDuty trucks on dealership lots but not many on the road yet. That may be caused by the $10,000 + rebates on 2016 models and $1,000 "cash back" offers on the 2017 models. I'm guessing as the supply of 2016's gets lower the number of 2017's we see will increase substantially.
As for the aluminum/steel/other stuff being used in vehicles. Aluminum has been used by Ford and other American manufacturers for at least the past 10 years or so. Many of the hoods on Fords (some as old as 1997) have been aluminum or fiberglass. When we were in Europe, I had an Opal 1900 back in the 70's (when they were built in Germany not Japan) that had an aluminum SW hatch and hood skin. Back then, it seemed "cool" because others had rust problems on their back hatch and mine wouldn't even hold a magnet.
I'd question whether this (antenna problem) is a "trend" developing or if this is an isolated incident? Considering the number of F150's that are on the road with aluminum skins and the frequency of problems being reported, is it a problem or a fluke? In comparison, when was the last time you saw a 1 year old truck with a "rusted out fender"? It's been years and years for me, but if we do find "one example" somewhere, does that cause us to question why the manufacturers are using steel in their body panels?
For me, I'll watch it for future trends, but honestly don't think it's a significant problem (unless, like most people, it happens to a truck I own). Based on the millions on the road with one antenna ripped off a truck, I'll hold judgment until it happens more frequently.
Here's an interesting article on Peterbilt trucks. They've been building aluminum body panels for their "big rigs" since 1945. That's over 70 years ago.
http://www.todaysmotorvehicles.com/a...essons-123014/