I share your frustration regarding bleeding brakes, Richard!
I recently switched to a Mityvac, (which I presume is the type described at point 2 in your list). Although the hose adapter created a perfect seal over the nipple, (confirmed by creating a vacuum on the closed nipple that didn't reduce at all despite jiggling the adapter), I found that, as soon as the nipple was opened, air was drawn in past the threads. However, a small amount of PTFE tape seals the threads nicely and the pump worked perfectly after that.
As for keeping the reservoir from tipping, I supported the pump upright in an old vice, which had the added benefit of allowing you to continually top up the master cylinder without having to stop.
More details here:
http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/s...ad.php?t=58090