Thats the problem with that style of vehicle - forward control types (Hiace, Sprinters etc). You will find a lot of the "Euro" designed trucks are similar, its the only way to set the steering up without increasing the length. As for people over 6' 2" there is a solution - don't hire tall people!
If you bring back the Ford F series or something similar, people would then complain about the size, turning circle etc. Like all things its a compromise, I have driven the Sprinter & didn't think it was that bad (except for all of the weird electrical tricks you guys have fitted).
And if you think that's bad try driving a Holden Rodeo Dual cab type over any distance or worse a Series 3 Landrover "Blood box" - I can tell you thats not pleasant!
At the end of the day these are commercial vehicles, just like the fire trucks etc - you are not going to get the ride & comfort that you would from the family sedan. And its personal preference as well, having driven the latest Commodore, Falcon & Mitsubishi 380 - I still prefer my VT!
So I guess there you have it, you can't please all of the people all of the time & some time in the future when the Sprinter (& their Ford cousins) are replaced people will complain about the new bus & look back with fond memories at the current fleet
Thats just the way it is.
cheers