Solid information and beautiful truck.
I had a 2015.5 Denali Duramax and mostly loved it. My recreational trailer is only 5500 LBs which is like not towing at all. I pulled some 10-12k stone trailers and it still hardly taxed that motor.
Moved into a different need with less payload required for work. Bought a 2020 6.2L 1/2 ton. Pulling the same rec trailer fully loaded with family, generator, paddleboards, etc, I have averaged over 10 MPG in 4 years of use. I can go up the Eisenhower at 75 MPG and any other pass if I really push it. Without a trailer, I average 18 in mixed driving, and when needed, it is plenty quick to 60. I have nothing but high praise for it, and if you can live with the 1360 LB payload, it is a jack of all trades.
My needs will change early next year and again require the capacity to put 2500 LBs in the box. So I am likely to go back to a heavy duty, but really have no need for the diesel. My 2015.5 had the normal sensor issues and DEF tank replacement, and thankfully all were fixed under warranty. The gasser with 10 speed should suit me fine. Of course I will miss the added grunt of the diesel, the sound of that motor, and as you mention, the exhaust brake. My 6.2L 1/2 ton uses engine braking surprisingly well, and I hope the 6.6L HD will be reasonable.