I'm doing a rollerset challenge on my own. I figure if keep everything else simple, then I will be okay.
I wash 2x/week and then rollerset. I pin curl at night (only about three-two on the side and one in the back).
I take it down in the morning and just separate the curls a bit. There is no combing, besides on wash days and I spritz with Oyin's Greg Juice to moisturize.
So far I have retained all of my growth, which is about an inch since my virgin relaxer two months ago. I think the thing is you have to sacrifice somewhere if length and health are your goals. There are not too many people out there (I don't think), who can comb everyday, wear their hair down, use regular direct heat and achieve a LHCF type goal.
There was a thread on here a while back about "who does not do protective styles". A good number of the ladies with long hair did not do them. But many also said that they did in order to reach their goal and then they wore their hair down more.
Traycee posted on her blog about wearing her hair down more and using heat. She also upped her protein and made other changes to accomodate this.
Sorry, I know you did not ask for that long of an answer.
HTH!