Titan8883:
So far throughout getting my OW cert and a few dives with friends, I have only seen/used Jacket Inflate BCD's.
Welcome to the fun. I'm a new diver too, with a whopping 21 dives under my wet suit. You may or may not like my view, but, out of the 21 dives I have, 7 have been with rear inflation BC and remainder with the jacket style you mention.
I have the concern that most shops do a disservice to the new divers by not giving them the experience of the back inflate. However, I can why they choose not to use it in basica OW.
If you are not comfortable in the water and well aware of your orientation, a back inflate will put you on your face every time. It is the nature of this type of BC.
That said, a little common sense goes a long way.
The setup I'm going to buy is the Zeagle Ranger. It will handle doubles when you are ready for them. Just took a Zeagle escape (more lightweight version of the Ranger) on vacation to Jamaica and tested out the design in the ocean. Had some pretty have wave action on the surface the BC was superb.
As for comfort, you can't beat a back inflate. No rib crushing.
Bottom line is, find one to either borrow or rent and see how you feel about the setup. It is different than you are used to, but not an overwhelming difference.
That's my 2 cents worth.
Brian