I think it's just suboptimally integrated in this Jeep. Rock-crawlers demand easy throttle tip in so as not to inadvertently leap over boulders and obstacles, and that long accelerator travel (and a high-effort return spring on the accelerator) heighten the impression of mass. I also find it strange that the stump-pulling diesel gets drastically shorter transmission gearing than its peakier gasoline V-8 stablemate. Usually it's the other way around. Taller gearing would make it seem a lot less "shifty" at low speeds, and would probably improve fuel economy.