You have summarized your choices well. We chose the CR-1 route( technically IR-1 because you will be newly married) because we did not like the disadvantages of the k-1
1. The spouse cannot work until the authorization comes through (60-90 days) which is applied for after your marriage
2. The spouse cannot leave the US ( and visit Canada) unit the status is adjusted AOS (60-90 days) which is applied for after your marriage
With the CR-1 route the package you get entitles you to a green card equivalent when you enter. If the immigrant needs to clean things up at home after entry, there is the possibility of going back and forth. As you pointed out, it seems cleaner to me, when I am done with the process I want to be done.
The work permit process can be concurrent to your petition, but you will probably not get one quickly unless you have a qualified work permit in process already or have a qualified TN (Nafta) opccupation http://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/tn-nafta-professionals
