Dave,
Thanks for the interesting links.
I think an electric hybrid might work, using electrics for 30 seconds of direct lift for takeoff and landing. Use fuel for the cruise portion of the flight.
Multiple motors might be an advantage, say ten or more if they are cheap.
One or two motor failures would not be significant, if they each have a separate battery.
The problem now is batteries cannot put out high current in 30 seconds.
When they get that fixed a hybrid will make sense.