A fiew opening questions I have

The first approach above^ is the one I've tended to use.

I'd also add that it helps to choose openings with very restrictive lines.

For instance, after 1.e4 e5 2.f4 as White, you will have some version of the KG.

With 1.e4 c5 2.d4 you'll either get a Morra accepted, declined or some variation of the 2.c3 Sicilian which is also ok for White.

With 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5 as Black, you get the Latvian.

The second approach, playing non-book moves in an opening with plenty of theory, just sounds like it's asking for trouble to me, unless your name is Kasparov!

Book moves in modern theory tend to be book moves for a good reason.  If you choose to play non-book moves, you have to hope that your opponent doesn't work out why the move you've just played is not optimal.