Thanks for responding. I agree with your reasoning on plugs vs hardwired, the only reason I started leaning toward putting in outlets and going with plugs is because that's what Home Depot installers expected and one of the (several) reasons they refused to do the install.

I think it is still not to code to put all those wires into the dishwasher box because it is too small, but someone else commented that if you just did that same junction in an actual junction box it would be fine. I think that might be the way I go since it'll be much cheaper than putting in outlets and plugs.