You sound like a really good piggy-slave to be (Yes, they will become your masters with their wheeking and gosh-that-wasn't-many-veggies-give-me-MORE glares
)
I have to say, piggies are one of the cleanest animals you could hope for if you keep up with them. You can rarely "potty train" them but their poop doesn't smell at all. If you're concerned about their smell then definitely go for fleece. I use fleece and you really can't smell my pig other than the hay or rarely pee if I don't change the newspaper underneath for a while.
Personally I've always had boars. (4 over the past few years). My first, Bodger and Badger, were from a breeder (tut tut) where they were kept in different hutches. I guess I got lucky because they were best buddies from the start. I think it is more to do with their personality than their gender. Both have their "down sides" on the health side. If you have boys you are meant to clean their butt to stop them getting impaction
and females are at risk of ovarian cysts etc, unless they're spayed, although that carries a risk so you shouldn't do it unless there's a reason. Neutering boys is a less risky operation, and some say it lessens the risk of developing impaction, so you may consider adopting a neutered boy and a girl - thus leaving open the option of adding to your herd!
I found most of my piggies prefer to be running round exploring than sitting on my lap! Most will soften up after a while and sit happily, but no, it doesn't matter if you don't handle them everyday. I didn't and mine were happy enough. More important to make sure they have a really spacious and interesting cage (which won't be a problem now you're here!)
Have you been on
Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig They have a great care and medical guide which you should read for extra info if you haven't already.
Hope I helped a bit; please feel free to ask any more questions. Have fun with your piggers if you do get some - hope you do! (: