Your sizing ideas sound good. I think a saw a PYL 161 at Pacific Boarder and Showcase in Vancouver the other day but they don't have an online store so you might have to call them.
The Republics have simmer down tech which is pretty much the same as Autocant by Burton. The insides of the footbed are slightly softer so your feet cant exactly the amount they should and not the pre-determined 2.5 degrees that Ride bindings give you. They have a bit less shock absorption though. Ride has crazy big cushions
. If you like Ride bindings a lot you could also check out the Capo. Super solid responsive bindings.