Funny your asking, I tried a minimalist cook today. Full bed of coals, I just lit the corner with my torch, kinda like a Minion with oak for smoke. I set my big drip pan lined with tin foil, Weber roast rack, rubbed meat. Normally I also use my pizza stone below the pan. Not needed. Just start a slow small area with plenty of charcoal to keep it going. Keep a very small opening on bottom and barely cracked open on top. It should level out at 250. Just check it once in a while and adjust as needed. Those plastic things are Bear Paws. Here's the Amazon link. I paid $10 for them and love em'. You can rip a butt or chuck roll to shreds with them. Worth every penny.
Albert I think we just like to cook similar things. Your dishes look great, keep on cooking!
Shaun Method light on the kettle, sounds good to me - and that PP looked great!! How thick was the bed and how much did you end up using? How long was the cook? Just wondering if you had to reload.