I don't see how you can cut accurately with a pinked edge. While I have never tried what you describe in 2 above, it just appears to me that it would be difficult to maintain accuracy of your piecing. You say the pattern is "involved" which sounds like the accuracy of cutting and piecing is very important.
As to your #1. If your triangles don't match up then set the needle in just inside the edge. This way the two pieces will be held together when you begin sewing. Also pinning will help. The addition of the actual patterns sounds like the designer has provided them for accuracy. The availability of the acrylic templates is also for accuracy in cutting.
Now, you can certainly cut the pieces differently - strips etc. Am sure if you anayze the pattern you should be abe to do it with strips etc.