The PING G15 is not a hybrid. Thats what I have.
I think you are thinking about the K15
You are in the minority, most players find hybrids much easier to hit than long irons.
17 degree is more like a 5 wood. I think that is going to go farther than the 210-225 you are looking for if you are getting that out of a 3 iron. Standard 3 iron loft is 21 degrees. Most people will be able to hit a hybrid farther than a long iron. I had a 19 degree hybrid in my bag for a long time but have recently gone back to a 3 iron. I think you need stay between 19 and 21 degrees if you are looking for 210-225 yards.