tj, kinda depends on what kind of rains will come through. if you get some gully washers after hydroseeding it wont really matter what slope its one. you hope for some initial gentle rains to soak everything in then it sticks good. usually our wet season kicks off with a few small storms before the big ones hit so it worked out for me....i do like yer ideas though, get the grading in and go with DIY straw mats and seed.....good luck and do keep posting.
