I have the same aversion to 3 woods too, for the same exact reasons. I play a TS3 4-wood and it has just enough loft at address to make it less intimidating on both situations.
I've yet to find another club that I like the look of at address in confidence dept. Was really hoping they'd make a lefty 16.5 this time around, but alas, it will live on in my bag for another season.