So, four and a half months later... :P
The method that finally worked for me was the Clark's Method 1 under Venting the Cooling System:
Coolant System Draining, Filling, and Venting
Few notes:
- I did fill the block first using the upper radiator hose (actually bought a cheap one for this purpose since this hose is a pain to deal with).
- I used the device I described above (presta valve from a bike tire zip tied tightly in a short length of hose and a little plastic coupler to attach to the overflow hose, a cheap cap with the lower seal removed to allow air into the reservoir, and a bike pump).
- The tstat dam problem is solved by bleeding cold, then running until the fans come on, then bleeding again (carefully!). Then running again to check that it all works.
Worked pretty good. Simple, almost drama free. There was some overflow while the car was warming up, but once I bled it a second time there were no issues. Drove it around a bit, all good!