regarding back inflates, make sure it is a modular system because if it isn't and you have this same issue again you're out quite a bit of cash to replace the whole thing.
Standard backplates can be had with quick releases on one shoulder which many use, but the biggest problem with most divers is they adjust the straps wrong, there should be quite a bit of wiggle room in the shoulder straps so getting out is actually quite easy if you have a bench, pickup truck bed, or even in the ocean. Unbuckle weight belt and crotch strap, and just lower yourself out of it. Standard QR's can be added to any backplate setup quite easily, and they also have some harnesses with them already in place, Dive Rite Deluxe Harness with QR, DR Transplate, etc.
Any BC without a removable bladder or separate wing shouldn't be considered because of what you are going with now, new wings or replacement bladders can be had quite inexpensively compared to the whole rig.
Regarding pockets, personally I have a rather strong hatred for integrated pockets because there are better alternatives.
SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Sidemount, Rebreather, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - Bellows Zip Pocket w/Daisy Chain
vertical bellows, good for long skinny type tools, small lights, screwdriver, etc. Has daisy chain for clipping other tools to it
SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Sidemount, Rebreather, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - Bellows Horizontal Pocket w/Daisy Chain
same thing but horizontal, personal preference based on how much waist real estate you have
SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Sidemount, Rebreather, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - Thigh Pocket w/Daisy Chain
Thigh pocket, basically the same as the vertical bellows but you can put it wherever on your thigh you want for things that aren't regularly accessible
Highland by XS Scuba 2mm Super Stretch Neoprene Shorts
alternatively, you can get these cargo shorts which have two thigh pockets and have all of the storage you'd ever need. All of the professional photographers and videographers I work with dive a BP/W setup with some combination of pockets and pouches. Generally it will be shorts or pockets on their wetsuits/drysuits directly for things that are less likely to be needed, and they will take usually the horizontal pouch, put a bolt snap on it, and clip it to the rear crotch strap D-ring for things they need to see while pulling out. Much better solution than pockets in the bc itself. Also makes it easier to remove those tools from the BC to secure them while not diving.