The fix for the right angle problem is a retractable flexible USB cable. I got the one below from Chris at Sound Progessionals, it is far easier to run a compact rig with this than with a standard cable.
I will try 2500 mAh rechargeable Energizers, the Lenmar ones I tied punked out very fast, I thought this was a voltage drop issue but maybe I just had a bad set. I have gotten over 6 hours total using a fully charged MT and Pure Energy alkeline rechargeables, and of course even better with lithium AAs.
Jeff