It's a bit of a first world problem, for sure....
And the counter space becomes really unusable, because things like a microwave are so often needed that they really deserve accessibility, and just the potential need to use the microwave blocks use of the space. That's why the over-stove hood/microwave devices were made.
On a boat, well, if that surface is used as everything.... cooking, eating, chart table, whatever, then it may make sense because the uses tend to be temporary. But I agree, it uses double the volume that it should, so there really needs to be a darn good reason for it. The over-stove usage employs space that is typically not useful to begin with, so it is a "new usage" that takes up no existing space.
Assuming it is wanted, however we may think it is counter-productive (no pun intended), the torsion spring approach seems the best, you can use a frictional regulator to prevent it popping up too fast, and it takes no power to operate. Power is often limited on boats. Plus, the torsion spring can do many turns without changing force very much.
Torsion spring, guides, and a rack/pinion drive with a viscous friction device on it. Latch and in-position lock up to you.
It does take a good balance of lifting force vs force needed to push down again. A system like a garage door spring sounds about right. In fact, a cable drive would be just as good and easier to install, no space needed for a rack.
