Lots of looks, means an interest, but I think most are looking for answers.
Just like yourself, drilling/sump, is a step most want a bunch of info before doing.
Personal preference, I really like a bottom drilling for my drain line and a top drilling for return.
If it were my tank, I would go with an 1 1/2 drain running into a 20L, or bigger for my sump.
A 55g can get a big benefit with the added water volume of a sump.
Heck, most all smallish tanks do.
Wet/Dry ,socked, or drip plates covered by foam, I`ve run-em-all.
They all had a plus and minus to them.
Honestly, I couldn`t see any difference in performance between the bunch.
After a couple of sumps, I spent allot more time on ease of service and adaptability of media than any other part.
How you configure your sump is a pretty big deal since you are going to drill, making the getting water to the sump easy.
As to gurgle-n-slurp busters, some work better than others and really couldn`t steer you towards any on particular style over the others.
You`ll just have to do your reading, pick one and try it.
Big step, for sure, but by drilling you are already way ahead of most.
Good luck with it.