Good call on WCHA - they are a great resource. I have paddled quite a few cedar strips and would have to agree - but I've also paddled some poorly designed ones that were squirrely as all get out. I remember running into a group in the BWCA that i knew some members in and they begged me to take their strip boat because they were afraid to tip it again!
From what I've seen on the BB canoes, they do require constant attention to maintenance.
-Erik