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If the Promaster's poor sales were based on poor reliablility I would expect sales to start out OK and then fall off as people experience failures. That hasn't happened. Sales continue to steadily grow but remain a small fraction of the total market.
Mercedes hasn't ever sold a FWD Sprinter in the USA so people can't be avoiding buying FWD vans due to failed Sprinters.
Ford brought the Transit to the USA and it immediately took the #1 spot so customers aren't scared of buying a Euro-style unibody van.
The Transit is made in Kansas City so the Chicken Tax doesn't apply. There are also ways around the Chicken Tax as Ford demonstrates the Transit Connect. (Formerly built in Turkey and now built in Spain, the Transit Connect is imported as a passenger van and then converted to cargo)
If you are waiting for a manual transmission full-size van you will be waiting for a long time. Manuals are dead in the USA. Dead in full-size truck, full-size vans, and almost dead in heavy duty trucks.
If you are looking for fuel economy the Chevy Express with the 2.8L diesel is king. I would buy one if they offered it in a Cut-away.
USA full-size van sales:
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