JD,.... You're absolutely correct about the complexity of Dave's Hopper. One of my favorite foam patterns is one tied by Ken Hanley. Ken demonstrated tying this pattern at Kiene's Expo.

An alternative, simplified hopper pattern involves tying a bullethead (?) made from deer hair. The deer hair is tied in at the front of the hook shank by the butts with the tips of the hair facing out over the eye. The hair is bent back, evenly around the shank, and then tied off near the shoulder. Simple but durable/effective....