FWIW I have done C&S and Extract, Point was valid,, Empty comb has value, Expands , swarms, splits ets.
Greg's point on ease and flavor is also spot on the C&S honey is the best tasting, IF you also have use for and or want the wax then C&S gets them both.
I would get a 5 gal pail with the gate to bottle and the bag suggested by LJ,, can clean and store the works in the pail and not use a ton of space or cost much.
Last C&S I did was 12 supers on 4 hives in 82, Had an extractor of sorts since then. Now have 24 hives with an 18 frame , its a dream.
Honey Eater do not let the 2 hive deal in the back yard be a "detriment" to you, I have 4 spots with 4 to 8 hives each and it seems to work well, not all spots have the same flow, and if you really like to eat honey, each spot has a unique flavor, so another spot, another flavor.
If you plan to stay at 2 then a bag and a pail will suffice, if you plan to "have bees" just keep an eye out for used, or spread the work with some of your friends and in time one will show up.
BTW you are over thinking it a bit, now that you have graduated from the flow hive dream, welcome to BS and the rest of the bee activities.
GG