Here's what root system looks like five days after being transplanted from soil:
And this shot was taken a few days ago now...
So the soil transplant experiment is looking encouraging so far.
The linked drainage/feed system did seem like the next logical step for the buckets.
I'm also working on a lighting experiment that would work well with these, high output led spotlights, 1 per bucket, with the end goal of only needing those as a light source. I'm waiting for some parts that should be here before the new year, I'll keep everyone posted.
R: Your problem has now become my goal...