A foreced hot air system powered by a furnace which has multiple stages (2 or 3) and a variable speed blower should not have the problems you are describing.

I am in central NJ and installed a Carrier Infinity 3 stage gas furnaces. The only time I hear the vents is in the morning when the thermostat is taking the temperature from 64 to 70 degrees. Even then I don't get a blast of cold air since the blower first starts in the low stage and then ramps up to high after 5 minutes. The furnace normally will operate in the low or medium stage to maintain the temperature. I don't realize the furnace is even running unless I look at the thermostat.

Agree with Mike - there are so many bad installs that people have lived with, they get scared on forced air. A properly done system is just fine, heats the house faster and is a lot cheaper. I am really surprised that anyone installs baseboards anymore - I would think it would be radiant or forced air.

Do you want your heat in many zones? How does that influence the cost of hydronic vs forced air heat?

We are considering the same thing. The new forced air systems have the ability to 1. add moisture if air needs it or remove it 2. you can filter the air especially helpful with allergies. If you are putting in a CAC it makes sense to do forced hot air b/c you would be using the same duct work.