Hogsy I like that idea. In my short time with the chimney I've noticed it works better for briquets, less so for lump for the reasons you mention.
re: bricks et al
I'm still figuring out where to put all this equipment. My upper deck is a covered, screened-in porch, so that's out. Then there's a small outside area that leads down some stairs to a much larger deck. This upper part where the stairs begin has a small landing and that's where the action's been since it's closest to the kitchen.
But I've moved everything down to the lower deck. More walking up/down stairs, or downstairs through basement to get to the BBQ, but that's all I can do unless I grill in the front driveway.