$100-$125 will buy a good quality paddle. I just cant see using your $400+ paddle for poking a shark, pushing off a mud bank or paddling through oyster among other scenarios and tearing the sh3t out of it. As far as weight, impo ,a man should be able to paddle a few miles or even 20 without a couple of ozs wearing him down.

The oz loss with a good paddle to me is secondary to the overall gain in efficiency. I do all the things you describe and my paddle is still in great shape. Its on its 4th season now. You dont have to baby a quality tool, doesnt mean abuse it. I also agree for most getting a $400 paddle is silly, a paddle doesnt help if your swing is no good.