I have read SO many reviews on the Playsport bundle being awesome for what the OP was saying, if you dont remember let me remind you
The play sport literally does everything he is asking for and more. The tripod is amazing for positioning the camera in unusual spots ( since most boats dont have a "camera" spot), it records in FULL HD and takes good pics with 5 MP if i remember correctly.
Oh, and its waterproof for 10 feet and comes with awesome accessories ( like a remote for when you set up the tripod and hold your fish you dont need someone with you to take a pic). as well as other accessories.
In my honest opinions this is the best priced, more most practical thing the OP was looking for. Perfection.
Fish Chris, Now, granted your knowledge and lengthy (tldr) post about cameras was very thorough...i really did not see it applying to this situation. I cant imagine an average person spending $400 ish on a fancy camera and a waterproof case..and special case to house it...its crazy nor give two hoots about DSLR or saying "umm yess great photo but the top right quadrant of the photo was midly over exposed, huff!". Not what the OP was looking for imho. That's not saying your post was very informative for the photographer-aficionado.