I almost think I need a drogue just behind the nosecone and a deployment bag on this rocket.

Actually, you need a piston just behnind the main chute 😀

Seriously, there have been a zillion similar flights that did not have a drogue behind the nosecone. Shouldn't be necessary. In fact, it might even complicate things - if the drogue blooms quickly on exit, it may not allow the cone to pull the main out. If the descent profile didn't allow for enough "oomph" to pull on your main - for example, if you tumbled just right - you may end up coming down under drogue.

I cannot figure out how that chute hung up twice...

Pistons defintely are the way to go, I've switched and won't go back. I still use a chute protector to help me pack the chute into the piston and make it nice and neat.

Edward

Edward, I've heard of this now from two people.

Pictures would be cool.