Good post Foxsea.
This bullet point is interesting.
"Especially important in smaller boats, outboards provide more room inside the boat because they are installed on the transom, outside the boat. I/O engines are in the cockpit which takes up an area of the boat that can be better used for user convenience and comfort."
This is one thing about podded boats that I never liked. I don't like having a big outboard and kicker hanging 4 feet off the back of the boat. It is space in the water that I cannot use for playing a fish, netting or just swimming. It also becomes a bit of a drag trying to pull skiers and tubers with that back there. I use my boat as multi purpose, so that is also a factor.
Winterizing - this to me is a bit of a misconception, Its not hard. Air doesn't freeze. So much like a travel trailer, if you get the water out then there is no problem. I added a valve to drain the heat exchanger, as well as the exhaust manifold. When I need to winterize I open both valves and all the water drains out and I'm done, winterized. I've done it that way for 11 years, zero issues. With my travel trailer its the same thing, drain all the water and blow out the lines, no issues.