Good! It was the other bag I was worried about seeing that little snaggy bit aimed right at your crotch! (seriously)
Well, your setup is certainly unique thats for sure-I personally couldnt imagine riding with the hoods that low, but hey, whatever works and good on you improvising stuff. I have a small box of "bike doohickies" that can come in handy sometimes, doesnt take up space but can be helpful.
Sorry no ideas on stoker hoods, but can say that having both front and back cross brakes are handy. I ride some steep hilly sections and coming down bumpy turns is nice using the cross brakes, avoids banging your palms on the hoods-exactly why cross bikers started putting these on.