GardenBanter.co.uk - Low Divided Kitchen Sinks?????

We have been looking at kitchen sinks and it seems a big thing out
there lately is the sinks with the low divider wall between the
sections. I can see the point of this as I hate it when you place a
pan in a regular deep sink and the handle keeps it up on a steep
angle. The low divider supposedly makes it easier to lay a pot or pan
in. Occasionally we fill one side of the sink with hot water and soap
and wash some odd things by hand rather then trusting the dishwasher
with them (or they just don't fit). Seems with the low divider you
can't easily wash in one side and rinse in the other. Are we missing
something here or is there a way to hand wash dishes in these low
divider sinks? It seems the full divider sinks average about 8" deep
while the low divider sinks can be had up to 9" deep. We like the
deep sinks but still tossing on the divider height.

Also, any cons against cast iron porcelin coated sinks with sound
deadening? We want a while sink but heard of issues with white
granite sinks and also with plastic ones.

All suggestions greatly appreciated!