"My current hood is (or more technically was) completely ineffective
except as a noise maker and I never used it and had no particular
venting issues."

The logical recommendation based on the above statement is that you don't need a hood at all.

Without knowledge of the pressure loss versus flow rate of the mystery hole in the wall, it would not be possible to specify a hood blower that would have adequate performance (if you actually wanted any). As for inserts that might fit an undefined enclosure, you might visit AJ Madison's web site to see what is available. You might also measure the wall hole you don't care about to ensure that the insert's duct size and the hole size match.

However, unless this "building's common wall space" is rated for greasy air such that there is no fire hazard as a result of someone actually cooking greasy items using your insert, it may not be allowable to use the wall space for a hood duct path. Before doing anything I would inquire of the building engineering personnel (if any) what that common wall space is intended to do and what limitations there are on its use.

I need a hood because it is required by Code and the building has a vent that is used for all hoods so it can be connected as the current one vents into the wall. There is some kind of vent out to the nethers from there and there is no issue at all with utilizing the current hole in the wall :-) I don't have complex venting needs and I certainly don't have to worry about make air since my condo is the furthest thing from being air tight and I live in SoCal so my windows are generally open anyway :-)

My question is what is a decent hood for my fairly minimal needs - one that is easy to clean if the need arises and fairly dependable.

One knowledgable salesperson has recommend the Best CP351309SB for $699. I see that Bosch makes some for less - and I am going with enough Bosch appliances so that I am eligible for the 15% rebate.

I have eliminated the Vent A Hood because it involves clambering around and releasing clamps versus filters that can be easily taken off and thrown in the dishwasher.

You are on the right track then. I cannot provide recommendations on equipment I haven't owned or used, so besides others here who might have an input, I suggest listening to any examples you might come across at appliance stores. Hoods from brands you are interested in may reveal a lot about claimed sound levels vs. perceived sound levels, even if inserts are not available to listen to.

At the low flow rates you are interested in, mesh filters will be adequate and likely more functional than baffle filters that require some reasonable air velocity to centrifugally expel grease from the air flow. Mesh filters need to be kept clean to be functional, as well as pass air.