MadMax,
First things first. Thank you for taking the time to dive in and pen your post. I've read every word and will most likely read again.
I've seen my son umpire quite a few games this year, and can't remember a flinch, ever. Although he is 6'4", his head is usually just over the catcher's shoulder. From what I understood, that was something the MiLB camp drilled into the umpires, keeping their head at a consistent height. He said the shot to the head was a really odd ricochet. Personally, I think his mask is dinky. He has had the mask since he was 16 or 17 and likes it, but it seems much smaller than what I see on the other umps.
I'll research these:
All-Star MVP2500 (System 7)
Wilson Shock FX 2.0
Force3 Defender HSM
Regarding your solution, sounds like an interesting compromise. If you bring something to market, please add to this post.
thanks,
umpdad321