I have my whole drip system on a standard rainbird timer and 3/4 inch valves. The system came with pressure regulators. Seems to be working great. This is the 4th year its been installed with no problems.
I use and love the 40 gallon conical tanks from Plastic Mart. Have 6, always filled. Built a chiller room and have no problem controlling temps. Even lager in them
I don't have any RIMS experience, but I have tried gravity fed rigs and now use a two pump HERMS system and really prefer it. Lots of simple add ons. Makes. Brew day fun