I hear you. I grew up in Pennsylvania and welded new floors in just about everything I ever owned back there. But those were old beaters and any old piece of scrap sheet metal would do. Now that I live in California, I guess I've gotten a bit spoiled.
I'd sort of like the repair to be undetectable when the car is up on a lift. That means either following the factory seams or grinding the welds down smooth.
I think I will at least be springing for a pair of rear floor pans. Just wondering how much more work to do the whole floor.