Why not explore several approaches? Surely one would get further that way, no?
Many of us have dabbled for years with herbs/teas, and non-electronic techniques of all sorts. IME, and from those i've talked to, the best way to get deep into it is to cast your net widely and explore many things...Have you ever tried using melatonin, harmalas, or electronics for inducing them?
nice link btw
Don't get me wrong, i think a dream journal is probably the most useful tool for building dream awareness and really plunging into the wormhole. I kept one for about 5 years but have been slacking lately. But its best used in combo with other approaches methinks