Steve,
I've only just learn't the bimini myself and i've gotta say I can get a much neater and better looking knot in braid than mono. I'd fooling around with some old mono for a few goes but they always turned out a bit twisted but the first go at braid was neat as and is fishing very nicely.
I had a go at the spider hitch but i was worried it would cut itself.
Keep going with the twist for sure.
Cheers, Roo.