@Wake27,
I agree with your general statement that for most people recoil reduction and muzzle stability is more beneficial than a flash reduction (including myself).
If you're comparing A2 you need to contrast it with the full on brake like Surefire two port (or similar) which have an obnoxious concussion and blast signature even during a daytime. As other members pointed out they cost typically around $120-150 which is half of a high quality barrel and approximately the same as a good barrel on sale. Most people are not willing to pay that price in addition to dealing with the blast/concussion.
A2 on the other hand is cheap/free and does not have such negatives. I would imagine a lot of regular folks when picking up a rifle with A2 coming from a brake equipped rifle will be complaining that the rifle wonders under recoil. Proper recoil management technique can definitely help to improve recoil/stability with A2.
Quality (this being a key word here) hybrid devices are great and very, very difficult to come by and evaluate objectively. I have two of the following and will only speak to those.
Something like a closed tine Warcomp is geared towards a flash reduction, compensation is a secondary factor for it. Whenever you're willing to pay for it over A2 is a different matter.
On the other hand KAC MAMS, I feed tuned towards compensation (axial stability) and has an acceptable flash reduction for a comp/brake. Personally, I don't notice any overpressure signature with MAMS vs A2.
Most hybrid devices are a marketing gimmick. They fail miserably at advertised function and are bad at everything: flash reduction, compensation, axial stability, and blast management. Most people might not notice the negatives and it definitely has a placebo effect (especially after paying $100-$150). I've learned my lesson and now avoid any hybrid devices except the two mentioned above.
I feel that it's almost easier to get a separate upper with the muzzle device for a dedicated purpose rather than trying to find a perfect solution for one setup.
Competition gun - use whatever, probably some 3-port brake.
Want a break/comp - go with a two port surefire or KAC MAMS.
Need a flash hider - A2, Surefire, KAC 3-prong or such.
Suppressor use - whatever device a manufacturer recommends. It only serves as mounting adaptor. Better yet use a direct thread method to safe some weight and double interface point.
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