Agree with all these points re seed selection. I try to get organic seed whenever I can, although you often have to hunt for it in the UK.
One seed company here that is very true to the spirit of the seed is The Real Seed Catalogue based in Wales. They are really quite different to most seed companies :
Another good one I use is Seedaholic - although they are actually based in Ireland.
Both these are small family run seed companies.
thank you!