Stepwilk, I believe if you bury your head in too much theory you're going to soon forget what you're there for. The acceptance and then rejection of one new theory after another doesn't alter what happens in the real world. I suggest you closely observe some agricultural spraying operations down on the deck by both fixed and rotary wing.
Also, the following link displays plans for a very simple and surprisingly effective wing in ground effect. I have engaged children in making and test flying these models and they know nothing of vortices or the numerous qualifiers of drag; indeed the lift fairies are much more easily understood by little people. You may just be surprised.
Ram: a model Wing-in-Surface-Effect Craft