I'm a big fan of the circus bowline, or three ring bowline. I use it in place of an alpine butterfly, when it's not straight life support. And that is only because I'm unsure of its actual effect on rope strength.
Another BIG favorite is the one handed clove hitch. It's made my life easier one...
I had that problem with velcro straps as well
My wife ran a new stitch with a sewing machine to stop any fraying, and cut the excess off. Seems to have worked.
How about static, retrievable SRT redirects? Takes the main life support worry somewhat out of the mix. *as well, im aware there are cheaper, already existing options. Just spit balling