hey andy,
I haven't read all your chk pages, but for waterers, I've had luck with the Little Giant poultry fountain.
unlike most others (especially the bell waterers) i can plumb it to either a bucket or a pressurized line.
This is the least labor intensive watering system I've found.
I've got three plumbed to a 55 gallon rain barrel in the brooder, so i don't have to reach in and fill the little quart dealio every other day, especially if it fills with shavings.

this link shows some pics http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=187164

I've got about 8 of them, and they've been in use for almost 5 years now. No issues at all.