If you're going to continue to compare apples to oranges instead of apple to apples while refusing to answer any questions, there is no point continuing a discussion.
Yes,according to Toyota Tacoma chief engineer Mike Sweers. Toyota improved the drums brakes with a new vacuum booster and a new antilock braking system to improve how the brakes feel, reduce fade and improve stopping distance.
"Based on these changes and the proven durability of our braking system, the disc/drum was determined to meet all of our criterial for on- and off-road performance and maintain proper brake surface temperatures," he said. "Bottom line is that disc/drum or disc/disc setup will give you similar performance and stopping distance based on system cooling and/or temperature buildup. Disc brakes provide better cooling and reduced mass over drum systems. Drums provide less exposed braking surface and less brake vibration due to braking surface flatness [rotor warping] concerns resulting from overheating of surface".
Many of us prefer the ride and handling of a boxed frame that provides a stiffer chassis. It absolutely makes a difference, especially off road. I don't care if it is "stronger" by your definition of being able to carry more weight, I prefer a more rigid frame. Simple as that. I had an 06 F150 with a fully boxed frame and welded cross members and it felt so much more confident over uneven surfaces and off road compared to a Tundra, and compared to the previous generation of F150. I could pull the truck onto something and lift a tire, and all of the body lines still lined up just right. Doors opened and closed with ease. No squeaking or creaking of the cab or bed. Which is more than I can say for most every C channel truck I've owned.
Continual twisting of the cab off road is putting stress on every joint. Does it mean anything is going to fail, probably not. But in the long run it won't be as tight as it would have been on a more rigid chassis.
They probably use a boxed frame overseas because the truck is used more as a truck there. Hauling more weight and used off road more. Most Americans commute in their truck and drive to the grocery store and couldn't care less about what's going on underneath. It is a cost saving measure like the rear drum brakes. Nobody wants drum brakes off road, what a stupid argument (but one that most Americans have no clue about, and would accept as credible). Toyota will tell their fan boys and soon they will start bragging about how they have the only modern truck with drum brakes.
California doesn't require the bi-ennial smog check for the first five years of a new vehicle's registration renewal. Each example you give is five years. It has nothing to do with meeting future standards.My 2010 Subaru was speced to meet 2015 standards as such no smog testing needed till 2015 etc. Our 2001 VW was speced to meet 2006 standards hence no need to smog it till 2006. The new Ford Fusion we just purchased meets the 2018 standards so no requirements to have it smogged till then.