I replaced pads and brake fluid earlier this year and didn't have to let the calipers hang to bleed them. I used a Mighy-Vac pump. Instead of opening the bleeder and then pumping the vac I left the bleeder closed and built up about 25"hg of vaccum and
then cracked open the bleeder. Worked pretty well. I tied up the lever overnight and re-bled it in the morning, but it really didn't need it.
Most nights I leave the front brake held on with a rubber band. Keeps the lever firm so far.
