As far as foot management in crud goes ... first, it doesn't count as crud if your skis are always on top ... it's not deep enough. But I've tried things along what you are suggesting. For example, the weighted release. ANd I still will sometimes if it gets very stiff. But HH said that wasn't the way to go; instead, trust in your technique. And sure enough, I've found the classic phantom (with the tail lifted plus pullback) to work stupid good in crud. Not so much necessary in pure powder.
Generally in deeper stuff your legs can't get too far away from you so CB is less significant. But CA, on the other hand, plays a more significant role and must be carefully yet strongly applied because the high-C is so important in bad snow. Why? Because with the high-C you can get a turn going real good early rather than using desperate measures closer to the fall line with little means to control your skis (i.e. the poor slobs using TT). Now, maybe you aren't in a go-for-broke totally-upside-down high-C position in crud, but you are definitely high-C-ing.
At least that's where I'm at right now. Plus I'm looking at far more snow in the back yard than there is at the mountain! Hell, maybe even my roof might have better base depth.