The vid above shows one of the contractors driving a manual transmission van. I don't think that Ford would go through the trouble of doing that kind of test with a M/T unless they were seriously considering it as an option. If I can get a m/t awd van in the mid $30's, it may be my next camper/cycle hauler.
I've been around transits a little bit in other countries, and I can't imagine they would be in anyway comparable to a 4wd smb off-road, but for someone like myself who just wants to get up muddy forest service roads or across wet grassy fields it looks perfect. The floor height is a good bit less than an e-series, and must be a couple feet lower than a 4x4 sportsmobile. That's a big deal at the end of a day of riding when you are exhausted and it's time to load the toys.
The one big question that I have is about towing capacity. If I can't tow a jeep or sports car (maybe 8000 lbs) it becomes much more difficult to justify replacing my current van.