To which I have no answer.. However, on the other pseudopodium (from the point of view of an amoeba, which doesn't have hands..), perhaps the question should be placed differently.

Can we use {Hoch}, with inherently plural nouns ?

The way I understand {Hoch}, its specs require that it is either to be used on its own, (e.g. Hoch vor Dargh wIb), or it is to be used with nouns which aren't inherently plural.

Perhaps, trying to use it with inherently plural nouns, is similar to trying to shove a micro-usb cable, up the rear end of a usb-c type phone.. It just doesn't fit, because it wasn't built for this purpose.

Unless, of course the {Hoch} is being placed after the inherently plural noun, case in which there wouldn't be a problem, since it would have the meaning of "all of the (noun)".

For what is worth though, I agree with you Daniel. My gut instinct, would have me go with option 1.

~ mayqel *I love maltz* qunen'oS