Hi jkowto,
I like the idea of a static control surface, but it could cost a few quid, and like the mixers we know and love be prone to spillage damage,
I hope you guys get the gizmos you require soon, it's horrible when you can see the product you need when nobody else can.
I think with my gym suggestion, that once you get in to a larger unit your wrists will soon suffer, and you would need two hands to support the unit requiring fader nudged via ones nose, lol
Cheers