I finished the valve adjustment today. I ended up using a combination of the electric jump method (with only a wire between the first and third screws of the relay on passenger fender...) and the power steering pump nut for fine-tuning adjustments.
I realized that my concerns about the electric method being inaccurate were unfounded, as half the cam lobe is at its lowest spot, meaning you don't have to have the cam lobe at exactly 180 degrees to the connection with the rocker, just close to that.
I still can't see how using the crankshaft bolt would be anything but inconvenient, having to bend over everytime and turn the socket wrench--can you even see the camshaft while you're turning the crankshaft from under the car? But, I'm sure I don't understand it totally.
At any rate, it's done. I didn't notice a huge improvement in performance, even though all the valves were tight...
Thanks everybody for the help!