Hi Such,
There is quite a lengthy discussion on this forum somewhere about the minion method and just the discussion in itself can get a little heated. I'll give you my take on it. I tend to avoid the minion method with anything that may contain binders, this is not a hard and fast rule there are lots of people in the US and here that have a good success rate with the minion method.
I personally tend to do it with my fuel of choice (Restaurant Grade Lump). On the coconut briquette front, I have used these extensively and find they burn consistent, hot and leave very little ash. Personally i think they are good, there are a couple of types but the main ones in the UK are distributed by CPL and can be found on most forecourts (Although that may just be in my area).
I think to be frank I would read the advice on this forum, take a view and then try yourself and see what you think. If you are competing at the weekend and you are asking in advance I would have to say avoid it for the competition so you can satisfy yourself at a later date that you are happy to do it.
Some considered it a sin, others consider it a must.
I would keep an eye on this topic, it may get a little attention.
All the best Adie