- I've heard people argue that rubber is unsafe if you put a knee
through it upon self rescue - hatch could fill...also heard that
rubber hatches pop off with heat, etc...

Are you some kind of an engineer by trade? I only ask because I feel that
you are totally over thinking this whole boat selection process, which is the
kind of thing that technical people have a tendency to do. The bottom line is
that pretty much all of the popular sea kayaks available today are good boats.
Much of the palaver you hear about individual boats on these groups is just so
much posturing.
If this is your first kayak then you will be best to narrow the selection to
a couple or three boats which you like, for whatever reason, and go with the
best (cheapest) deal. Used is good! The odds are that if you are really
determined to become a skillful paddler then you will outgrow whatever boat you
buy in the first year or two regardless. And if you are simply a casual
recreational paddler then performance is really not a requisite. The hatches
and rudders and such are really the least of your concerns at this point.
If you really do want to progress in this sport, and you are absolutely
determined to try to find a single boat which will keep you happy for a number
of years, then find one which fits well (or can be padded to make it fit you
well) but frightens you on the water. You will want a boat to grow into, rather
then a boat which is comfortable to you now.

Good luck!

Scott
So.Cal.