I agree with your points about the two publication methods being complementary. I think Google can be the filter for these, if you need to find a technique your first option is usually a web search, and you'll look at the first 2-3 results. I guess there will be problems, depending on how google can index journal articles, but usually the most meritocratic result with be first. Often journal articles will be the top hits on research theory if you like, but web pages are often the top hits for research techniques.

I have also run into what Neil calls ugly cynisism, but I think this can a good thing. If some people start to feel uncomfortable about you're doing, then you're probably doing something right.