Kinda like how these aren't "half ton" trucks anymore either. Sometimes names stick around but they don't mean the same thing anymore.
Not sure if you are implying that the current trucks are
more or
less capable than their nominal name?
My overloaded 1500 (quad cab, almost every option available) has a payload of a bit over 1600#. Assuming a typical load of even 2 plus-sized Americans of 300# each that still leaves 1000# for stuff in the bed, a/k/a a "half ton". FWIW I've hauled full ton pallets of wood pellets with no issue.
IF you could still get a single cab short box (maybe even with an 8' box), with a single 200# driver you would easily be able to haul 3/4 ton and be within the mfr ratings.