Thats quite a post.
I have a cheapo tripod that I use but I didn't have it at the time, so Iput my handholding skills to the test.[:S]
When I get my 7D I will definitely get some sort of monopod. A bean bag like you sugested would be something I could use also. Yes, my lens does have a tripod ring so it would be easy enough to mount anything that you said. I will take a closer look at the "string-pod", that looks interesting. My 600 weighs in at a not-to-bad 5.2 lbs so it's not a bear to handhold, but in a akward position I might think differently!
ThanksGeorge,
John.