@WNC hey...so to clarify..no water bowl..no heat deflector.
Top rack of an 18.5" wsm. I simply fill the charcoal ring up 85% and hand scoop out a center spot of charcoal pile to drop maybe a dozen lit briquettes and temp at 250-275.
Imo i dont think lego stacking coals makes a diff...and as long as i am running 225-275...im comfortable with temp.
whats cool about this is that your wsm will billow smoke throughout the cook from the juices and fat splashing into the lit charcoal....tobs more flavour and the ribs are almost seared ready by 185...at 185..i have a 450 degree hot kettle for a quick 3 -5 minutes sear on both sides and then WOW..perfectly seared ...juicy ribs...