Iirc, gmt900 Silverado and Sierra trucks had leafs too. I hardly see this as a step backwards, but merely better utilization of parts. Besides, the suspension has very little to do with me choosing a truck. Engine and drivetrain are my top reasons. Suspension matters in performance cars.
Trucks usually do use leafs but Ram went to a linked coil suspensions on their 1500 and 2500s (not sure on 3500s) and they are able to produce a factory air suspension which is far superior to leafs.