Wilko, in general I agree with your comments about drysuits.
For me the biggest advantage of a drysuit is that it can have
integral socks, which make a big difference in keeping feet warm,
especially for open-deck boaters. You skillfully enumerated the
disadvantages of cost, gasket discomfort, and safety problems.

Two specific disagreements:

Wilko wrote:
If you get one, the tips I've picket up so far a get the latex
booties, but one size bigger than your shoe size, so that you can
wear socks inside them.

Neoprene or fabric socks (goretex or other coated cloth) last longer
than latex. With all the scouting and portaging I do, I never got
more than a year out of latex socks. The goretex ones I have on now
have lasted at least 5 years.

Always get one with a relief zipper...

I have been very unhappy with my relief zipper, which leaks badly.

The newish Palm drysuit has the main zipper in an arrangment so that
men can use it for "relief" after taking off the PFD. I recommend
avoiding relief zipper if possible (not possible with Kokatat designs)
to save money and avoid possible failure.