They sure are. My first grow was supposed to be in the RDWC system I made but the seedlings would have died if I used that. They were to sick.
Subbed In, if for no other reason because you are speaking my language. I've been growing Hempy Bucket style for my last six grows, and have had great success and easy grows with nice yields. My first grow was in soil and did extremely well also, but was a constant hassle so to speak.
Hempy Bucket for me is super easy but I still can't leave it alone for more than a couple of days. I have been considering adding some CoCo into my perlite mix to about a 50/50 ration. Not exactly sure of what the benefit would be. The perlite wicks moisture up to at least 8inches. I've been using 100% perlite with Pour to Waste method.
I'm currently getting an Ebb & Flow system put together for my next Hempy Grow. It will flush the bottom half of my perlite grow medium about 4-5 times a day. I will be using air stones for my reservoir to keep the solution fresh and change every 7 - 10 days.
I found your prescription of quarter strength very interesting. I have actually considered that to be almost full strength. I use RO and my PPM levels run from 350 at the start up to around 800 in flower. I may have to dial that back with the E&F process.
Thanks for an excellent example and reference. It confirms that some of my directions are headed in a good direction.