Well, you can do that. Turn the Vortex big end up, fill it, pull a few out to light and put back for startup. That does work, but I had problems with ash - you might have better luck. With the Vortex small end up, using the same technique I had issues with runaway temperatures every time. With the small end up the thing is a chimney, designed to move a lotta air over the coals.
Why not just build a snake? A snake for five hour ribs leaves plenty of space for food. And is a very stable method.