D'Addario hard tension strings for me too. In fact, I rarely use any other brand on any stringed instrument. My experience is that nylon strings wear out as quickly as steel, particularly in the intonation department, but the sound is worth the restringing hassle.

I once injured my left hand badly (multiple large ash slivers in and around two figernails) so I tuned my guitars to an open E minor chord (EBEGBE) which allowed me to get easy one finger minors and two finger major chords. Sure it was temporary, but it worked.

I think you're on the right track.

Peace, Mooh (guesting from Tara).