First, thanks to Derek for sharing my blog link here on ControlBooth. I finally joined the forums here so I could offer some of my thoughts on the discussion here.While I'd never imagine presenting napkin sketches in an official "portfolio" (what I'd present as the "Lighting Design" section of...
+1 for safety cables from the motor (hung on your pipe) until the ball is down where you want it. We've done this more times than I can count with mirror balls on up to 48" in diameter with no issues.