OS,

You may recall I went around in the high riding neoprene Chotas last summer.  They keep feet dry & I'd say they make a fine cold water boot.  I'll definitely wear mine again... but NOT this year.

As you know, my party has a particularly rough "bushwhack" planned at the outset of this year's trip.  I wanted better traction & support than my Chotas provide.  So, I used my QJ search function & found a similar thread where QJ'ers expressed their preferences (but not necessarily with your requirements in mind).  My requirements this year seem similar to your's.  In any case, Old Rookie posted a recommendation re: NRS Storm Boots where he listed this link:   (You need to Login or Register

Well, I bit & I bought.  While I haven't actually worn the boots in Quetico, yet, I HAVE been wearing them around the neighborhood.  They are remarkably lightweight.  They use high quality rubber & offer a VERY aggressive tread.  If these boots don't provide exceptional traction on wet Canadian bedrock, I can't imagine what would.  Also, they seem to provide the ankle support that my basketball-trashed ankles need.  The proof will be this year's trip, of course, but I'm inclined to believe that Old Rookie pointed me in the right direction.

Anyway, that's how I see it right now.  Good luck!  

Jimbo   8-)