Matt - got nothin to do w/ looks!! you mighta got the truck cuz you like the look, and you might think the wood bed "looks cool", but these were/are "workingmens trucks", made to do a job as well as possible at a reasonable price - original owners got these trucks to throw all kinda stuff into, including the items you mention, and mostly the wood held up longer than the rest of the truck!
wood beds are stronger than the steel beds in many cases - try pallet jacking a heavy load onto a steel bed and you'll find out how wimpy those stamped ribs are - wood bed can take it
Bill