My friends and I launch at the beach, sometimes into some 2ft surf, and I have a friend that had his auto-inflatable inflate on him when he got hit in the chest by an errant wave. Based on that, I'm not a fan.
The manual inflatables, on the other hand, I have one for my guests to wear when they go fishing with me. Its quite comfy and light. I bought a basspro inflatable on sale. I didnt really overthink it.
I personally prefer traditional PFDs for the pockets
I have a Kokatat Bahia Tour as well. Great PFD.