We have vinyl plank in our kitchen and laundry room. It has been down a year now and there's not a mark on it anywhere! The new hardwood is another story. Disgusting how much that cost and how easy it is to damage.
I vote for your idea. No transition strips!!! I hate that. No matter how hard I try there is always a little bit of grit that gets there by the transition strips!! And I will NEVER ever have carpet in my house... a few throw rugs will certainly break up the sameness of the flooring and help to define spaces.
I hope you get to do it your way!
PS... Ceramic tile is also a pain in the butt!