Yes that's exactly what I was referencing. The typical Klepper double with a 31" width. Not for me. And many others are like that.
There seem to be some manufacturers making boats which more resemble the plastic ones we paddle (see Trak, Nortik, Triton), but as I wrote, they easily cost double or triple of what a heavy plastic boat would cost. And certainly much more than the boats Jeff designs.
Yes, every boat is certainly a compromise. But for me it's more or less having a foldable or not having a kayak at all. Storage and transportation won't allow a different one.
Yes, I'm considering lee boards. I've seen kayak sail systems promising adequate performance with lee boards only. No amas though. As, you were saying, to me that wouldn't be a kayak anymore.
Certainly true, you can't have it all. Just trying to find the best compromise. =)
Thanks for the valid points.