ST,
I am the solo paddler in the POD, & I agree entirely with your post. I was a slow convert; a bit of a traditionalist I guess. There was, let me assure, a learning curve. Now I carry both a double blade and a single bent shaft. Open water is double blade; fishing, streams, evening cruising is single. I first rented the kayak paddle on a trip and hated it. Felt clumsy. Borrowed a friend's & really enjoyed it. I bought mine at a "paddlefest" event where I tried out about 5 or 6. My favorite was too pricey for my tight wallet.
Now I also own a kayak. Important note: double blade used with a canoe must be longer than one used for your kayak. Which is why I think my first attempt with the double blade was so bad.
FWIW: I still use traditional Duluth packs, but a Kevlar Bell Magic. Cook over both wood fire & a stove. Wool shirt & fleece. Compass, & tinkering w/ GPS. Converted to a wet-footer about 10 years ago. Casual fisherman, budding photographer. Still holding out against cell phone, ipod, & watch. Strongly favoring Q over BW. Next goal: reflector oven.
I suspect I'm pretty much like most of the people here: doin' what works best for me.
KenH