For $99 the 12" DVC is tough to beat. Knu's is very good as well, but the Fs is a little higher than what I like (my 8" has a lower Fs, Bill!). The Dayton is a little more efficient than Bill's driver. The Blueprint 1203 is nice too, but I don't think worth twice as much as a a Dayton.
Why did you want a ported enclosure? Unless you are competeing where you want the extra 3-4dB or you are working with underspec'd driver, I recommend a sealed box. They are smaller, cheaper, and easier to build.
You isobaric design sounds interesting as well. I think the only advantage to that design is that you cut the size of the enclosure down in half.
As for the Kicker, it would be enough, but I believe Dave ran the simulations on it and compared to a Shiva and some other lesser known drivers. It was unimpressive considering the price.
