Thanks for the great replies.
Small 200w/100 amp-hr 12v system.
Regarding disconnect, I have load disconnect, but I hang a few devices directly off the battery. Since I can run those things at a little lower voltage, I do, and it gives me more 24/7 reliability. It is a remote and unattended application so I can't tend it at all.
Actually it is only during the couple of dismal low sun angle and snow months that I have any issue at all, nothing that doubling my battery capacity and panel count won't solve, but once again trying to spend less not more. I am currently not severely discharging as I have a bypass system that continues to charge up to a point, but the controller is the weak link because it can't recover from a slightly low voltage condition.
A controller that can power itself from either the panel input and/or the battery would solve my dilemma. I figured such a thing might exist, but I guess not.
Thanks for the tip re the Outback controller, they do seem highly rated, but hoping for a lower priced option that'll do what I'm looking for.
I'll probably just bite the bullet and double the capacity since I could benefit from a little more reserve power anyway.
Thanks again