So it all comes down to personal likes/dislikes....I too am 71, 189 pounds, fish alone and just sold my 2010 Hobie Outback and bought a PA-14.
My reasons for the PA-14 Vs the PA-12 are:
With the PA-14, I really like the larger front storage space and better-overall stability.....for 2" wider and 1.5 foot longer craft, the $100 up-charge is a no brain'r.
I had already bought a Trailex trailer as my 2012 Subaru Outback, I felt, could not safely carry my old Hobie Outback on the Yakima roof racks.......Subaru changed the roof rails in the 2010 model year and the cross bar spacing, front to back shrunk by about 12" as compared to my old 2007 Subaru Outback....IMO a dumb move.....and now carrying the PA-14 on the trailer is not an issue.
Loading/unloading is a snap.....the 20 pound weight difference between the PA-12 and PA-14 is actually quite small.
Pick your poison