RE: Which retrieval system is best?
While an inflatable or dinghy brings with it the risks of a person being on the water - it is the only way I know of to recover a boat 100% of the time (other than if the boat sinks).
Fishing rods and electric recovery options are great for many occasions but if that is all you bring to the lake you are not guaranteed to be going home with your model. This leaves people to consider swimming for their model which is when people end up dead.
I use an inflatable and life vest. While I can swim well - I have not heard of anyone drowning wearing a life vest.