What about Idea 4? Get a frame-mounted front rack and detachable plastic bin for a basket.

It might look like this.
Clever Cycles sells the rack, or get it from David Hembrow.

Frame-mounted front racks have an enormous advantage over fork-mounted front racks: The cargo on a frame-mounted front rack does not affect your steering. Turn your wheel and your cargo continues to point forward instead of pointing in the direction of your turn forcing you to countersteer slightly.