I think Coaster 1 2 and 3 speeds are the way to go. I especially like the Sturmey Archer Kickback 2spd with a coaster brake. I've been using Bendix, New Departure, Shimano and even Komet for a long time. There are special Brake arm brackets that have 2 screws. One to clamp to the stay, and one for the arm, this makes it a bit faster easier to switch out also. If one was real serious about it, these little bolts could even be with wing nuts.
Freewheels are a much lighter option. But the noise and extra rear brake are turn-off for me. Although my SA two speed does have annoying 2 tier gear clicking, most all styles of single speed I can think of, have no noise.
Of course, I grew up on a coaster brake 1spd bike so they come natural to me. But on some you can even change the length of drawback swing up to a half revolution if somebody wanted that much play in the brake.