I bought my pontoon for the same reason as everyone else. You sit out of the water, which means I can wear hip waders. Rowing I can fly across a lake. Agreed that trying to row up river could be a chore, although I have never tried, but have been able to master some very nasty winds and waves.
I have put a platform on mine that is 5' X 4', which allows me to take my dog, a large battery, three flush mount scotty rod holders, a waterproof bag with my rain gear, a lunch box and still have room for my dog to walk around and the boat still weighs under 75lbs. I can pick it up, but at 11 1/2 feet long a bit clumbsy.
Another reason I like pontton is I do have a motor (minn kota) that I can use.
I bought an Echo last year which is also a potoon with metal frame and padded plastic seat. But it has 4' by 12" diameter (same as my Cardiac Canyon) pontoons that are dura bladders (self sealing). Bought it for the same reasons
The Kayak with the paddles is a great idea. I just like more room for my all day-ers