Lewmar V700 and 1/4-inch grade 43 chain. The sizing for the PDQ 36 is the same. If you feel like more strength, use G70 rather than larger chain... but there is no reason. (The WLL of 1/4 G43 is 2600 pounds, and the 60 knot WL with a nylon bridle is only 1/2 that. The safety factor is above that.)
I have a helm switch, but I unused it a few times in 10 years. You REALLY should be at the roller in case the anchor comes up sideways.
Not really interested in free fall; to my mind, power down gives more control, and we seldom anchor in deep water. I had 100 feet of chain backed by rope, and I only touched the rope about once a year.
A vertical windlass has about 160 degrees of chain wrap vs. 100 degrees for a horizontal (Profish). That is generally OK for chain, but rope can be a problem (not enough grab). Why would you want all that above deck, when a vertical will pull better and is better protected from the elements? Just opinion.
Use an irony splice to connect the rope to the chain. It is FAR more reliable around the windlass than a backsplice.
This is an old image, but is shows the flush installation. Granted, this is a PDQ 32.
---
You are going to LOVE the windlass, whatever you choose.