Hi Ken,
On the Double Bling I think retractable wing stations will do the trick, just as on Lady Moura
http://www.shipspotting.com/uploads/photos/256315.jpg
On yachts like Octopus the big wings are justified as she got her design inspiration from large ice-breakers.
But again, on "small" boats (150´-200´) and as you say, often just a feet from the next, I would rather be without them. If you have ever been to Port Camille Rayon in Golfe Juan, you know that on the pier you would need fenders on the upper decks anyway....
I can agree that you should be able to see your own fenders on the side you are and with a trained crew you can then reverse straight without using the noisy bow thruster, just letting the anchor guy help with the brakes when needed...
