Jack,
I use an office-type seat (from Office Depot) instead of a bench. It has a pneumatic adjustment, a nice soft seat for us old-timers, and a spring-supported back. I usually set my stand so that I could play standing up, or sitting with the seat/stool/chair/whatyoucallit at its highest position.
It looks better to stand up and seems to generate better rapport with the audience, but I do like to use two foot switchs and a volume pedal, and that is easier when I'm seated.
It's always something, isn't it?
DonM
P.S. Bite the bullet and get a PSR9000 Pro. Have your wife pay the difference.