TG-
I would not recommend taking what Pascoe says as 100% truth. Having read most of his articles he brings up many good points but his opinion often fogs the truth on some matters, do not take what anyone says as godsent, Pascoe, Powerboat reports or any one for that matter.
As for balsa under the waterline I if done right, as thepathfinder is, and well maintained, which every boat should be if you want it to treat you right, I would not hesitate. In regards to the chines/strakes I think they fill them with somesort of a resin before the balsa is laid down, I know that is how Contender does it except Contender only cores the hull sides and has a solid bottom.
you have to understand with production boats, there is no best boat or best built boat. All boats are compromises in one way or the other and the same goes for the way they are built.
As for your dealer saying the pathfinder is shares the SeaCraft design he is mistaken, it has reversed chines on the bottom not the variable deadrise hull as SeaCraft is knowm for, I will agree they are similar looking but they are vastly different in design and construction.
You have a good list going, although you are all over the board (which is good), I do not think you could add any, except the
Conch27, and you should look at them all and figure out which config/build fits your needs then take the final 2-3 for a seatrail and make your decision.