which would you try next time DSB, sand, mud ??
If I had to do it all over again, I would go with a live sand bed, live rock and chaeto with 24 hour light. Maybe go with some mud from Indo-Pacific instead. (See below) I just don't see the MM doing anything as described, that any other mud would or wouldn't do as well.
If you go with the MUD from GARF (
www.garf.org), you will get some living micro creatures in it. I've actually pulled 3 good sized gorilla looking crabs out of the sump after 6 months of use. They must grow fast, because it was just mud months ago. Garf GRUNGE had too much broken concrete in it for me, but with all the shells and such, that may be something to hide critters in a sump.
You can put live sand too, and let nature take its course. You should get a bunch of pods in no time, and maybe some spaghetti and bristle worms.
If you can't wait, you can buy some critters from Indo-Pacific (
www.ipsf.com). I've purchased their clams, worms, stars, etc..Great company, and they will most likely send you one or two free corals with your order. I didn't buy their mud, but I would next time.
I've read the info in the link you provided when I was making my decision. There is much debate on the trace topic. For a breakdown on the contents, click this link...
http://www.reefs.org/library/article/mm_analysis.html
Other comparison info...
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/7/aafeature
Nothing is straighforward in this hobby!