Thank you for the kind words. We have had no problems with the three Wallas stoves we have owned/own. I think part of the issue is using good quality fuel, keeping battery voltage up, and running the stove at high heat before shut down. Propane is certainly a bit easier, but it has the disadvantages of carbon-monoxide, and condensation.
You might also consider the Ranger "tug"--trailerable in the same size range. Of course there are some boats whcih are "inbetween" the 34 foot express and the smaller trailerable boats.
We had an express before getting the Tom Cat--and find the Tom Cat much more to our liking. The "cave" of the express where we would spend cooking, eating and lounging time, was like being back in some of our old sailboats. We found that the "pilot house" was much more comfortable. As for bunks--the Tom Cat is much better than the CD 25. But there can be some "slap" under the hull in some anchorages.
We don't have a problem with the anchor. Using the windlass, on either the Tom Cat or CD 25, is an operation handled from the helm. You can reach the windlass from the foreward hatch, and the anchor is "self launching". If we need a stern anchor it is handled from the cockpit.
With a good camper canvas, you have considerably more lounging room. But heck--I am a "salesman" for the C Dories!