Jack I hear you about physical limitations, and I suspect my days of serious modifications are over. However, it might be possiable to get a person off season to do the work in Alaska in exchange for fishing time!
It would be interesting to see what people think about the seaworthyness of the 25 vs the 22. I am not entirely sure that the 22's ride is not that far from the 25, but I haven't run my 25 enough in rough water to know. (The first time, I was limited in that the trim tabs didn't work and I did't push the engine because of question about water pump impeller). The self bailing cockpit is a plus in the 25, but then you have the cockpit floor raised up about a foot. I think that you could do the modificaton of the cockpit floor very easily, and just go with the molded floor that exists, and extend it, or even make your own floor--that would probably be the easiest part. The side decks might be a little more of a challange, depending on what could be premolded. The cabin house would be fairly easy.
I have thought about flaired decks which were over the side of the hull, to give more foot room on the deck. This is done on houseboats. Yes, the railings could be flaired and give enough free room for the feet, but any railings would still be at a level which would "clip" a person. I have had boats with very secure railings--but these were 40" high and 1 to 1 1/4 inch stainless steel welded all of the way around the side decks and bow. This is much more substantial than would be practical in a C Dory.
Yes, you could definately make a boat lighter than the factory boat. As for the basic hull construction. I think it is still sound. I have not yet had a chance to see a new 25 which is in our area. But the problems in the 2003-2005 boats was due to lack or appropiate sealing, to compromising on materials rather than construction techniques per say. Only time will tell. Certainly the Angler 25 is a good concept, and my personal opinion is that it would be more popular than a Center console 25.