Using an external host with Sonar X3

Seems like this topic last popped up in 2004 and 2009... feel free to direct me to threads that I missed when I searched.
 
I use Kontakt a lot these days, and I'm looking at the whole "template" approach again. Many years ago I used GigaStudio on a separate machine, but the world has changed since then!
 
Presently I plan to use a single machine (Q6600, 8GB RAM) at least as a proof of concept. The next DAW will have at least 32 GB of RAM, maybe more, because I'd like to keep things on a single machine. I am not opposed (except for cost) to using a second machine to host Kontakt, but it is my second choice.

So I am looking at Plogue Bidule and JBridge as tools that will let me host Kontakt outside Sonar. The benefits include more efficient use of memory (according to some) and the ability to switch between projects without having to re-load Kontakt. Until now I've been using track templates, and they work really well, but it can take quite a while to load them.

Is anyone using Bidule as a VSTi host on a single machine? Can you share any tricks or tips for setting it up? I ran into a handful of Rewire problems last night, but I think they are on me, not Cakewalk. I am also curious about using Bidule on a second machine. I have MIDIOverLAN, and a couple other Ethernet MIDI solutions, but how do you route audio? Can you route audio over the LAN?
 
And the same question for jBridge - I know that it can be used to host plugins outside the host, but I can't find any information on how to do it. It might be as simple as bridging the plugin, but how to you get it to persist?

And if there are other tools (VEPro is beyond my budgetary reach at the moment) I'd love to hear about them.
 
Thanks for any and all assistance!!