folks, thanks for your responses....
Peter K, not swamped so far.
CanoeHead, I firmly agree in buying quality products especially when there isn't a store near by to replace something broken.
PaddlePower & Peter, thanks for the link on the rodeo rescue video. Hadn't seen it before.
Peter, No I can't roll a canoe though I'd like to. Andy C & his wife can so I figure it is something to aim for. I have part of the equation since I have the same boat as them

. I'd like one of his Echoee too. You wouldn't bother with a deck on the Ash huh?
DougB: Guelph to Cambridge is a short distance my books. My wife and I would very much like to try your Starburst with a spray deck. Maybe we could have a swap day..... but I'd like wait for a few weeks. Will contact by PM if that's OK. thank you
So nobody is coming out hard against spray decks yet folks are saying there is the hassle factor and maybe they aren't worth it unless it going to be in extreme water. I'm thinking I'll have an easier time selling my wife into running bigger rapids is she isn't concerned with taking on too much water. Callan's article seem to sing the praise of decks without restraint. In all the videos I've seen of Stanjanleafs, he never seem to leave home without one..... or is that product placement

. (it has been great to see the spray deck in action in his videos). Maybe I need to divide the commentary between folks saying they'd use a spray deck all the time vs saying they'd occasionally use one between lake and white water paddlers. Rivers are my priority for now but I figure we will return to lakes in time. I'm not sure how many trips I'll be taking in rivers that folks consider spray deck worthy with my own boat. Definitely want to do a few and Lake Superior but in some cases it will be cheaper to rent at the destination. If I'm just going out for day play in WW then a center airbag would be a lot cheaper.
Hassles? I'm thinking the "Options" $ will make things easier. Jump in a correct me if I'm wrong anyone. Maybe I'm just falling for the ads but the portage hatch option in the North Water seems like it wouldn't take much more effort when you're just undoing a zipper and lift the packs/barrels out. Put the deck on at the start of the trip and leave it. Obviously not good if tanning your legs is a priority.
So is it the price that is the big draw back? Obviously, its what got me thinking twice about priorities. Is it considered a luxury item? Is there a "not macho to run rapids with a deck unless you're in Artic rivers" mentality out there? How many extra pounds are we talking about with a spray deck?...ah just found it under FAQ. 9 to 3 lbs depending on size, material and options. Drilling holes in the hull for attaching a deck does kind of feel weird. Is there really a big safety concern like DougB eludes to and the deflector vs tunnel debate.
I definitely agree with everyone. If I buy one I will be practicing dumping with it.
Still open for more opinions.
Thanks
Dave