Jon -
I very much understand the health issues affecting how, where, and when you hunt. Also the limited income issue. In fact I cannot remember when "robbing Peter to pay Paul", was not a part of waterfowling.
Time IS the plus, so that does work in your favor, as does patience.
You WILL find what works the best for you, and your situation. I have no doubt about that. A gunners age does have it's drawbacks, but it also has it's bright spots. Where there is a will there is a way.
Room for decoys has been a ages old problem that we all struggle with. I much admire the way the old NJ Sneakbox gunners stowed their smaller decoys, and the way the NC gunners stowed their canvas covered decoys, side up and upside down, to conserve space. Practicality ruled, and decoy damage was part of the deal.
It is hard for us newer carver/hunters to deal with that cuz we put so much time, $$$$, and effort into our blocks. Plus the fact that decoy contests makes gunning decoys taxidermy/pretty, so we try to protect that. We tend to treat them as investments, not hunting tools.
Just a sidebar.
When I went to the ODCCA show last March. I took a unused box of FUD decoys, that Adam Grim helped to design. I asked him to sign the box for me, and he was glad to do so.. One of my NY gunning partners calls them Old Man Decoys, cuz they are so light and easy to carry.
Adam told me they are not just for Old Men, and that if you can find the first ones produced, they work in all conditions, big water and small. I can attest to them working in the marsh, but my box of Mallard decoys will remain unopened, at least for a while yet.
I wish you well. May you have a safe and enjoyable season.
Best regards
Vince