If you live in Canada near a Princess Auto, they currently have those anti-rattle brackets for 20$ + tx, just thought I’d tell you if you are shopping around for one.
Really hard to tell IMO, seems though that avoiding chip related packages/options and going with an Ecoboost instead of a hybrid can help reduce wait times. Also there was a time that avoiding the spray in bedliner helped, not sure if that is still the case.
Go with what you like best. That said, I found that seeing the color in person helped me decide. I was able to test drive one in grey and I saw a silver one on the freeway which helped me decide. That said I realize that isn’t always possible. I went with the Iconic Silver. I find it hides dirt...