You code with (X)Emacs, where you can employ nsd.el to parse ns_log notice/warning/error messages, and also use OACSmode to develop your ADP/Tcl/XQL bits of OpenACS site.
over time the Emacs OACS Minor Mode will incorporate a successor to nsd.el. The current beta however addresses several of your concerns. Do give it a try. Emacs in vi compatability mode (VIPER) should ease the transition.