For a first time strip build, I would definitely recommend either of the Redfish kayaks you mentioned or Nick's Great Auk. Also, if you haven't already found a copy of Nick's books The Strip Built Sea Kayak and Building Strip Planked Boats, you're missing 2 great resources.

I can't speak about the Night Heron from personal experience. I've never built one because I'm top heavy (6'6", 250 lbs. w/ a size 15 hoof) and that narrow beam makes me a little nervous. BUT my first build was a Great Auk and I wore it out before building other kayaks. I've since built 2 14' Auks for my wife and daughter that have served us well.

I suppose that the Redfish Return would have been a more likely build for someone of my size than the Spring Run L, but at the time I was a little hesitant to build a boat that was longer than 18' and had a beam less than 23" - I paddle on a lot of smaller rivers and a boat that size isn't always best for maneuverability. Of course, the North Star has similar dimensions, and, as I said, I do like it for the open water.

On that note, I'm not sure that you would need to consider a high capacity boat. Someone of your stature should be comfortable - and get great use - out of either a Spring Run or a Great Auk.

I spend much more time lurking at this blog than I do contributing. Hopefully, somebody with more knowledge about each of the plans you've questioned will voice an opinion. I've also found all of the big builders to be very helpful if I contacted them directly with questions about their plans. Again - good luck!