Last tackle plays at both ends were a major downfall for us last season. Granted the execution was often poor (Seymour) but our ideas and lack of organisation were so frustrating to watch. As the OP says, we've not been too hot defending kicks in recent years either.

Thats the crux of it

In fact whose outside backs are far superior to ours in defending kicks?

most defending outside backs struggle under the high ball to the wing scenario, thats why so many teams use it

Pat Richards doesn't struggle under the high ball, probably 'cos he's 6'5". His new centre, replacing Carmont, is likely to be Iain Thornley who's also 6'5", if not him then Anthony Gelling.
No guesses for Gelling's height either.
Shaun Wane has five players in his squad who are 6'5". He has named seven props of whom 5 are over 6'3".
It does appear that's the way the game is going.
Hudds have a massive pack height wise and quite a few clubs are recruiting that way.

Hull may appear over exposed to kicks to the wing because recently, they haven't been repaying the favour back up the other end due to the lack of a quality short kicking game.

When a kick goes up a good back know when to time his jump plus got to be brave and keep your eyes on the ball , Not the on rushing attackers.The biggest mistake players make are letting the ball bounce,and not catching it on the full.Player should remember to attack the ball from a kick

Sometimes you've just got to give credit where it's due,2 cracking kicks.

Although height is an advantage, it's also about positioning and actually getting off the deck. A good winger, in the correct place, and with the desire to catch the ball, will take it more often than not. As with everything, timing is crucial.

Best if we attack all the time then.....

the wing can be a hard place to play, trust me ive played there but when your a regular youve got to do better i sometimes think if briscoe starts good he finishes good but if hes poor he just seems to get worse its a position that needs confidence especially into days game just my opinion.

The saying is " The best form of defense is attack"