Hmm.. Not sure about the WoS -> Phoenix problems you're having. Wondering if a channel has to be established or some kind of liquidity has to be made first on Phoenix. Don't think so from memory.. (Can anyone clarify?)

Also the Damus Wallet issue.. If you don't want to open up your lightning wallet every time to zap... in the Damus Wallet Settings there is the ability to attach to an Alby Wallet or to attach to a wallet I believe through a NWC (Nostr Wallet Connect) style connection. What this means is that when you zap... Damus takes it upon itself to zap without you having to use your Lightning wallet!

Also the mining idea is fantatsic btw... I've been using Apollo Futurebits as they only take 200-300W of energy. I'm contemplating the Apollo 2 however which has just been released.

https://shop.futurebit.io