I like using the baskets for fast cooks that don't need any extra coals. I have not always had good luck with adding more briquettes to the baskets and maintaining temperatures. I use a chimney to light my charcoal even when I am going to use baskets.A while back I saw a thread about taking a pair of baskets apart and using the vented portions like charcoal rails. In fact I think it works better than rails on the heat-warped coal grate of my SS Performer. I can use one on either side to split the heat or two together to set up a large hot zone.
I have not personally had any issues with heat blowouts in my all black kettle family. When I saw this thread:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/index.php?topic=14748.0 I thought about the other unused portion of the baskets. So it was time to experiment!
With a snake:
With a fire brick:
Set up as a really big basket:
It looks like this will definitely keep the charcoal off of the side of the kettle. It will bring the fire closer to the middle of the kettle, shrinking the indirect area, but not by much.
These are just theoretical layouts. Next cook I will use one and report back!