Merlin
I am a little confused with the concern regarding voltage drop on the 110 Volt, 3 wire control circuit.
I'm sure if you did a voltage drop calulation based on the In-Rush VA of the contactors and Pilot Lights you will find that maybe all you have to do is increase the wire size to #12 or #10 AWG wire to make up for the potential voltage drop.
From what you have described this sounds like it would be much easier, the fewer relays and such the less chance for breakdowns and eaisier to trouble shoot breakdowns.
I know this did not directly answer your question but....
