Been doing a lot of internet research since yesterday. Women's designs seem to be an excuse to use cheaper and less durable materials and to provide less attachment points/pockets. Next round of visiting LDS, I will be comparing fit of women's to men's/unisex models: for the most part, don't see any difference in the photos. Also, the shops I visited don't rent their women's BCDs. So a pox on them all! My list of candidate BCDs is now almost all men's/unisex BCDs. Only one designed for women made the cut (Scubapro Ladyhawk), and only because I know I can try before I buy.
Zeagle is out because I don't like the ripcord weight release system. Eagle Z-1 is very tempting, but out because there is only one LDS in the whole world selling them (hate to see it shut down and be stuck with no way to get it inspected/serviced). I'm looking at Seaquest, Mares (thanks for the tip on the Journey...I'm leaning to back mounted bladder), and ScubaPro. Still not quite ready to cross over to the dark side of backplate, harness and wings yet, but I'll get there if I don't find what I want (I'm lazy, so I'm trying to avoid assembling something myself).
I appreciate ya'll's suggestions though, they've been a big help.