I definitely prefer a cast iron jacketed stove to a soapstone stove. Faster warmup with the same soft heat and slow release of heat.
WIth your circle of burning friends, you may have had a chance to experience soapstone first-hand? I think that up there, the stove will run 24/7 once it gets cold, and faster warm-up wouldn't be a consideration most of the time.
I'm down to the Woodstock progress hybrid and one of the blaze kings. People also seem to like the Pacific Energy stoves.
In terms of priorities for the stove, reliability of heat output is #1, Longevity/reliability (not cracking stones) is #2, and aesthetics is #3.
I'll vouch for the reliability of the Woodstock stoves..their straight-cats with which I've had experience, anyway. They are built like tanks, and the engineering is top-notch.
Reading posts by Woodstock PH owners, they say that it sips wood more stingily than even their previous Fireviews did, and of course get much longer burns with the larger firebox. Yes, it has cemented seams which will eventually require a build, but will virtually last forever as it is contructed of replaceable parts. Not many of those will wear out though. I think the PH has double stone in some of the sides, like the Fireview and Keystone do, but the available diagrams don't show that..you'd have to check into it. They are happy to answer any questions by phone or email.
The PH may radiate some heat out the windows if they are close, unless they are high-end windows. Of course, once the snow gets deep enough to cover the windows, this won't be an issue.
OTOH, I recently got my SIL a PE Alderlea Classic with the enamel. It's also a well-engineered stove of quality construction. It has the cast-iron jacketed construction of which begreen speaks. It is simple in construction and easily servicable.
If you don't feel pressed for time to buy a stove, read in depth the posts about Woodstock, PE and BK stoves. I think the better choices will become evident.
I’m having a hard time finding a qualified sweep to consult. The local fireplace store subs out to a guy with unknown credentials.
Hard to believe there are no certified sweeps nearby..lotta people would heat with wood up there, I think. OTOH, they may be well-heeled and don't care if they spend a little cash heating. My SIL went out there to do some painting within the last few years, for a couple who were clearly not monetarily-challenged.