Which ever option you take, the mirror lock is a big help in stopping that mirror (mostly) flopping about. I'm working on a mirror stabilising solution at the moment as I am currently primarily using the standard focusser with hyperstar which is a very poor focussing solution as you are well aware! Unfortunately the well published tweek using the transport bolt doesn't work on the 14"
I have not tried the Meade unit with any of the autofocussing solutions yet, but it is ascom compliant and I drive the whole scope remotely using the superb PemPro Meade handbox emulator which makes focussing easy.