In reply to Kemics:
> 1: Turns belay loop into a bit of clusterf*ck can get a little awkward then further attaching an ATC/gri gri
If I am within reach of the gear, I usually just tie my climbing rope direct to the gear. Using both my ropes, this means that no extra knots are added to my harness for two out of three bits of gear.
For any extra gear, or bits out of arms reach, I tie off on a single screwgate on my harness belay loop, therefore just adding a single krab to my harness.
> 2: This really is my biggest problem. the belay runs direct of my harness to the climber. Meaning that if the second falls, i can get yanked about a bit. Or if they dog and rest on the rope, causes my harness to dig in a bit etc
I make sure that my belay runs straight to the rope leading to the second. I position myself sideways, so that no load goes onto my harness. If you are getting yanked about, the line of the load is not going straight to your belay - maybe you are standing out of line of the belay, or have slack in the system?
I do use alternatives, depending on the situation. I don't think that there is ever only one answer which is "the best". I think it is worth have a toolbox of ways of belaying, so that you can pick the most suitable for the stance, gear and climb.