My one pint still leaks a bit when cold from the bottom seam. When it starts getting hot this seals right up.
As far as lifting the device, I grab the wooden handle and with my fingers hold the wire bail so that the handle is perpendicular to the kettle, then lift. Fire can be raging and my fingers do not go over the top.....only took me one time to learn this lesson well.
I frequently boil up a second kettle while I enjoy the first tea, so I only let the fire burn down to a point where long sticks are not poking up into the chimney. Lift, pour, refill, settle the firepan ashes, and return to the pan, add sticks and savor my tea while waiting for the second boil for my soup.
I have not bought the accessories for my large kettle, but I do not think I would use them much. The grate looks like it could be useful for grilling a sausage but I am not sure about the little pan.
I am working on a chimney modification that I learned about from a friend that may allow me to place a cup or small pot on top of the chimney for soup at the same time. If I get this to work I will post a picture. It feels pretty top heavy to me right now.