Mine comes on at ~30psi and has never caused a problem. With the coolingmist "250 psi" pump I usually see ~160 to 175psi on my mechanical gauge, so I know it's moving a decent amount of water, although not anything substantial by racing standards.
I have my trans controller kick it on at 30lbs of boost, but you can do the same with a hobbs (as it sounds like you're trying to do).
If the truck is sputtering then you've got WAY too much water or way too low an rpm/airflow rate.
I've been running without a progressive controller for years and it seems fine. I've also run with a progressive controller as well as run staged nozzles and I don't think it's worth the trouble for most people. Just kick em on when you need em and be done with it.
Don't run any methanol, and add a little water-soluble oil to the water and you should be good to go once you get the onset point settled on.
Save the money IMO.