Travis,
I will say the lower profile cuts seem to be more water resistant...
But in saying that I always spray my feathers with a couple coats of scotch guard for extra insurance.
I have heard and read about lower profile naner's having reduced noise levels but again I have done no experimenting and would think any low profile cut would be more quite than higher profile cuts.
As with anything trad there are many ways to skin the cat and all work just have to figure out what you like.
In saying this hopefully someone who has done some testing will be along shortly with more info for you.
I think there is an Ashby thread about feathers profiles, and cuts in relation to noise levels but can not remember how long ago it was.
Chris