Like you I've been debating this issue at great length. I've been drooling for a flippac. Never heard any negative feedback like that before, that certainly concerns me. Plus I'm not sure I want it on my truck all the time. I believe your idea below is genius! If the design is well executed it could be an easy one-man operation to remove and replace the platform/tent. With this set up you could deploy the tent, in place, on the truck...or deploy off the truck depending on the conditions. For example...if you set up camp late and plan to move on the next morning...and truck deployment would make sense. If you are base-camping, an off-truck deployment would be better. I think I will pursue this idea myself...and bag the flippac idea. I have a good friend that has machined/welded for a living. He is great at design and construction ( http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...-trailer-what-do-you-think?highlight=rockdawg ). I bet we can come up with something for my Gen2 Tacoma.
You know I don't want to discourage you from the flipak, many people love them and despite the couple instances where it failed, my buddy loves his. But I just don't want that thing on my truck all the time especially when doing some serious trails.