@Dave Kay, As others have mentioned, there is certainly nothing wrong with the Hydros, it's a good BC. For me, the ability to carry 6 lbs in my backplate is gold. It means that I only have to add 2 lbs of weight when I dive an AL 80. I just stick that 2 lbs in a pocket weight and no weigh belt for me! And my plate and wing is less expensive, so it's a win-win.
You can also dive an AL backplate, which is lighter for air travel, and weighs only about 2 lbs. When flying, I don't find the extra 4 lbs in my luggage is a big deal and I prefer not having to add that extra 4 lbs of lead when I dive.
My rig probably doesn't exactly match a hogarithian prescription, but it's pretty simple. I just use a single piece webbing strung through the backplate. I started out using a deluxe harness, because honestly I was afraid of the single piece webbing and backplate, it looked like a torture rig to me. I found the rig with a deluxe padded harness to be comfortable, but then decided the padded harness had too much junk. I then moved to simple, single piece webbing with no padding and couldn't be happier. It doesn't look like it, but it's super comfortable and the single piece harness is WAY, WAY easier to fit and adjust in your backplate than a deluxe padded harness.
As for brands, I have several and I'm not really particular to any one. I find they all work well. If you can get them from your local shop, that might be the way to go as they can help you set it up. Otherwise, you might try Deep Sea Supply. The owner, Tobin, is here on SB frequently. I've never done business with him, but other folks have suggested he provides really great service. As far as I know, he's also the only one who makes backplates in different sizes so you can customize a fit if you are especially tall or short.
Deep Sea Supply -Backplates & Wings-SMB-HoseHat_Single tank & doubles Tank Scuba rigs_