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Your buddy needs to crawl under some old trucks.

Prior to 1960 All Chevy pickups and trucks had straight axle front suspension with leaf springs at all four corners.

IFS on pickups started in 1960 in two-wheel-drive models.

Four-wheel-drive IFS came much later and I don't know exactly what year it was. I believe different weight ratings and models changed in different years. The Chevy Luv was independant front real early, but I don't think any others were until sometime in the 80's.

I think the reasons are more complicated than just the technology. Technology advances when an approach is used enough to require refinement. Until the market is interested in using it, no one is real interested in spending money to develope or refine a technology.

If you look at new trucks you'll see that in the heavier ratings manufacturers have begun going back to straight axles and leaf springs on models that a few years earlier were available with IFS.

Manufacturers try to provide what buyers want.

As for a preference? What am I going to use it for?

I have a 1-ton 4x4 with IFS that seems very usuable and a little rough riding. It would be rougher with a straight axle and I'm content with it the way it is. It does great pulling a trailer, which is what I bought it for.

My wife's car is all-wheel-drive and independent at all four corners. I'd never use it to pull a trailer, but when not pulling a trailer would probably choose it over the 1-ton unless I was dealing with deep snow or water. It rides very comfortably and handles great.

I have a two-wheel-drive pickup with IFS that drives like a big car. Its a more comfortable ride than my straight axle trucks, and more pleasant to drive any distance. These days I never drive it because my kid always has it.

I have several old straight axle two-wheel-drive trucks and when I want classic looks they are my choice.

And I have a rear-drive car with four-wheel independent suspension that I currently drive most days because a Corvette is a blast to drive. Four-wheel independant used to be unusual and limited to sports cars like the 'vette. Now days its much more common because it reduces unsprung weight which improves ride and handling and buyers want that.

What I'm trying to say is that there are good reasons for different suspension types. When choosing a preference its best to start from how you plan to use it and what you want it to do. The various combinations have benefits in different situations.