I have been creating backups as both versions and bootable duplicates for over 10 years, convinced by Joe Kissell's arguments in (what is now) "Backing up your Mac" on the different value of each type of backup. I can't recall ever needing to recover an individual file or folder from the version history, but on at least 3 occasions I've depended on my bootable duplicate to keep me up and running after my Mac hardware failed, until it could be repaired or replaced, and the duplicate allows a very easy migration integrated in the Apple software when transferring over to a new Mac.
So automatic creation of bootable duplicates is indeed important to me.
That said, I should be able to handle a bit of geekiness.
I haven't used command line on the Mac much, but I've got some familiarity with Linux, so I'll see what I can figure out for the qrecall command-line tool.
Thanks for your prompt and informative replies.