2gypsies, What RV are you talking about that didn't have slides till 2017? My last RV a a 38N Bounder had 3 slides and one was in the bead room and it was 2003.
Jinx & Wayne, You are going to be full timing and have some things you are looking for. You said "The captain's and navigator's chairs should swivel (and recline?) so that the cab area is not dead space when stopped. A queen bed or bigger is a must. NO DINETTE is a high priority. Counter space in the kitchen that doesn't involve the need to cover the stove and sink to chop veggies would be nice. Tanks that will support more than a week of boondocking with reasonable water conservation are necessary."
I don't know of a diesel pusher that the front seats don't pivot.
If you like the rest of the coach the dinette can be changed. I have a drop leaf table instead of a dinette. If you don't want to do the work I know people who can do it.
You said "We want to stay under 35'" Why when you are full time? All the things you are looking for are what you give up in a short coach. There are maney more used 38-40 foot coaches out there. Explain to me how 5' makes a big difference? You can't tell when you are driving it. When looking look at angle of wheel cut and wheel base they make more difference.
Just so you know I have ben traveling in a RV full time and part time since before Y2K.
I was in all the lower 48 states more than 2 times (some many more than that), in my last 38' coach and never had a time I couldn't find a place to park. I have been to most of the National parks and a bunch of state parks. We upgraded to a 45' coach and last year was in 21 states (you only count a state the first time you enter) We stayed in 51 campgrounds. drove 11,600 miles. Just a fun fact. I was doing some research on the new to me 45' coach and discovered the wheel base is 6" shorter than the 38'.
Some outher things to look for. I like a side radiator for ease of acess to the engine. I also like my generator on a slide out. I also like a tag axle coach for the stable ride/drive. Your wife would like a coach with a Oasis system for the unlimited hot water.
Heare are a couple to look at.
https://www.motorhomesoftexas.com/--xInventoryDetail?id=11230424
If you want power to get over the mountains this is 600 hp coach.
https://www.motorhomesoftexas.com/--xInventoryDetail?id=11406066
Next
https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/used-rvs-for-sale/diesel-motorhomes/2004-monaco-executive_rv-48778
If you get the chance I encourage you to drive a Newmar with "Comfort Drive" It automatically compensates for cross winds and passing traffic turbulence.
Let me know what you think.
Bill