Thanks for the suggestions Clint.
I'll probably get jeans for the around town cruising where it doesn't matter if I get wet because I'd just go home anyways. I saw one report where a guy did a long slide in "Joe rocket Ballistic 7s" and was very impressed with the results, and that's why they're on my short list. I think they have hip pads which would have been nice a few weeks ago.
I see lots of other jeans advertised but they appear to be reinforced only in the knees and butt area, and with what, another layer of denim. Some have a little kevlar in some areas but I'm not sure how much.
It's the second pair of pants that is more of a question to me. These would be for touring and more "serious" riding, probably with more padding. I don't have much of an idea what to do yet, most cruiser riders around here wear t-shirts and jeans. Retail stores are more into sport bike attire, Harley stores mostly leather.