Ron,
I think you have a good list. I'd add Lab to the mix, because you said three things in addition to quail: Good companion above all else, DUCK, and BURRS. Obviously, there are better quail dogs, but toss in those requirements and you gotta at least look at Labs. I'm not talking about big fat 100lb Labs, but little 50lb athletic females bred for trials.
I hunt quail, chukar, and pheasant over my Lab. I'm not a waterfowler. She's a very energetic hunter. Her drive is amazing. Not the optimum quailer. But the companionship of a Lab is hard to match. My dog is welcome in many friend's homes and has even stayed with 4 or 5 friends when we've traveled. She's always gotten an invitation back.
There's a guy named Ted Robinson in Yuba City that finds Labs for hunters. Pin-Mark Retrievers. 530-635-3333 or 530-674-2891. Chat with him a bit. You can mention my name, Chuck Heald as well as my dog Jasmine. Our pics are on his website.
