Re: Too complicated
Ed,
I agree with your analysis that it's too complex and I pretty much agree with your proposal. As a enhancement, consider VASIMR propulsion. Much higher ISP than solar thermal or nuclear when in low thrust mode. More payload or shorter trip times. VASIMIR will get a test flight by 2004 or so. Plenty of time to work out the details before a crewed mission occurs to Mars. :)
-philw (agrees with Ed, hell, I'll be speaking French next)