Great tips Trex.
If I had hordes of creatures, I'd probably be all over that method. Or board game minis, where are a lot of samey types of minis. I do have a lot of soldier looking security minis for Mercs Recon. If I ever decide to paint them, I'd spray prime them green, paint the skin, weapons and odds and ends, then do the wash. Though I use Army Painter water based washes and wouldn't do the q-tip thing, but rather do highlights and then varnish.
Hope you are feeling better.