Anyone saying some brand makes better cameras than another brand understands nothing about photography.
All cameras allow the user to take good pictures. I have seen an article about a Pullitzer winner who shoots with P&S cameras. On the other hand, Pentax DOES have the best lenses around, plus for a given price you will get a better camera if it's a Pentax. And some things do not even exist with other brands : complete legacy lenses support, image stabilization built in the body, the best history of lens crafting in the world, bodies sealed against weather, and a community of users actually interested in photography, not just gear
Regarding the flashes, I suggest you visit a local store which has flashes available for tests. Basically from Pentax, the 360 gives you a panning head and decent power, the 540 gives you a panning-swiveling head and lots of power. Wireles doesn't seem to be your thing so far, but keep that in mind, I don't think the 360 supports it. From Sigma, the 550 Super is a great (and cheaper) option. Metz also offer a good flash, apparently, but I don't know lots about it.
I'm personally using a flash dating from film days, it works well on auto but has no direct communication with the camera. It still works extremely well now that I know how to use it. I can't believe any recent PTTL flash would be harder to use.