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I think we're looking at this from two different perspectives, I use my Chemex as a pour over. I like being able to make a decent sized (litre+) batch of filter and the Chemex itself is nice to serve out of. It's the only pour over I regularly use so can't comment on the claim that the thicker paper leads to a cleaner cup than v60s/Kalitas etc.
I have zero experience of the Ottoman brewer you're using, which is seems to be responsible for most of your issues.
My reasoning for using a Chemex (or any other pour over brewer) is primarily keeping things simple. The Ottoman/Chemex combo is a bit of an odd one in my mind. But I guess it makes sense if you already have a Chemex and want a more hands-off approach?
Regarding aesthetics, I'm a big fan personally. There are versions with a glass handle as opposed to the wood neck + leather.
mmccarthy-
the Ottoman brewer....seems to be responsible for most of your issues
If true I've inadvertently struck gold here! Just ritually dispose of it and life will be a breeze from now on.
Ok ok I won't go on about this, I can imagine if used as a manual pour over thing the chemex is fine. But the brewer combo hasn't been properly thought through IMO.
russmeyer
Why? What's wrong with a regular filter and a two piece design like every other drip coffee setup since always? Ok there might be something in their mumbo jumbo about their special filter but this stupid brewer overflows and gets coffee grounds on the shower head as one removes the glass container from the heating plate. Plus it looks silly with the wood and leather. Grnmmmblh, hrumph.