great tutorial. Not really of help for me, though, because I've found out about the same things myself... the problem is execution, and I'm really badly allergic to grab.
It is, however, possible to score a boomhit without grab. The way I've managed that is a hook (backwards; knee contracting) kick against a contracting or held at nearly completely contracted stance elbow. Even so it was only two DM's, but I count that a boomhit.
secondly, I, also, think that a boomhit does pay for a grab in full. I am rather picky about grabbing, so that says a lot.