lol.. No offense taken. There are a gazillion ways to do things and there is no one answer, just like with most cooking - a ton of diff techniques/recipes for similar dishes.
I use the mason jar as I'm generally working with smaller amounts (1-2 oz of ABV). Crock pots range in size but generally in the several quarts and up range (mine is 8 quarts). The jar keeps what I'm cooking contained to a smaller area which is all that is needed for these smaller amounts... it also makes for less loss as it's easier to empty a small jar than it is to empty the large surface area of my crock. Easier clean up as well.
For straining... I've mentioned many times I don't like to use cheesecloth as it eats some of the product. I have used in the past but have completely switched to strainers that aren't absorbent so....less loss of product. I use 2 very fine stainless mesh strainers for larger amounts and for smaller batches I use a nylon tea strainer basket. Both work very well and don't absorb any of the liquid.
These are the types of strainers I prefer:
http://www.amazon.com/CIA-Masters-Collection-4-Inch-Strainer/dp/B000HVBES4
http://www.republicoftea.com/t/Product.aspx?p=V00978
Again....there is no right answer, this is just my personal preference. I think you experiment until you find methods that you prefer
I really want to try this method. Im thinking your jar method will help keep thing not so messy. I have 75 g's of ABV bud. I was thinking maybe just starting with 1oz. in the jar. How much coconut oil would I mix with about an oz? or should I use more than that? I use an Extreme q and I vape the stuff pretty good.