While Steevo is correct about many of the CA regs, you really have to consider what is most important. If you want to wear shorts in February, CA really has the best weather in the country. Santa Cruz is a great area, and where I plan to retire. CA also has what most places don't: variety...
The biggest problem I see with compressing the batts is the drywall work. If you have to compress too much, the drywall can crack when installing due to uneven pressure.
For me it is 3 things. Look, price, and flexibility. I have a working shop/garage, and I can't get everything out in order to prep and lay down epoxy. I could go with Racedeck(to get the same look and install flexibility), but at 3x the cost of VCT.