I think you are misunderstanding what he means with "at the rear"
I think you are looking for braces with the latch located nearer the rear of the kayak, that would be close to your seat.
There is the footbraces from DeaDog Line. I havent tried them out so I dont know if they are any good. They can be bought at:
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/canoe-kayak/footbrace/index.htm

The Yakimas (and others with that latch system) arent that hard to use though. You just press the leaver with the other foot, instead of diving into the cockpit. Sort of squeese the pedal between your feet, and press/pull the pedal in place

Gennie
www.byg-kajak.dk