The more I think about it, the more I'm inclined to agree. Typically, it's the automatics that suffer from heat and not the manuals. It's gotta be the clutch.
Interestingly, however, the Tacoma tow rating doesn't change with the 6MT option. A Ram 2500, on the other hand, loses about 1000 lbs...
I'm on the disappointment train with this one too. I was deciding between a ZR2 with dual lockers and a Tacoma TRD Off-Road with a manual and a higher tow rating, then the Gladiator details got leaked and I thought I'd found the best of all worlds!
Does anyone have any guesses on what it is...