Tom-
My understanding is that the larger Bruces will launch with just the BRM mount.
They have a very low center of gravity which doesn't require the pivoting mount to drop their center of mass down further below the roller's static position.
The smaller ones, particularly with heavy chain restricting the movement of their shanks, may not do so. Then you do the trick Al (Moose) did, and add a second roller near the back of the mount to tip up the back end of the anchor in the rest position and make the Bruce's center of gravity sufficiently below the mount to trigger the self-launch.
As always with anchors, rodes, windlasses, and related gizmos, some experimentation is required to fine tune the system before it finally works!
Dan-
Try adding a parallel air hose and bladder along side your ground tackle set up. A $3000 high pressure two stage compressor should be good down to 600 feet (18 atmolsphers of pressure, or about 270 psi).
Maybe Don can get you a deal on a Navy surplus ship/submarine flotation bladder usually intended for salvage work. You might even be able to aid some bait lines to it and go fishing for some of those Barn Door Halibut you have up there!
In case the aforementioned is beyond your technical, engineering, or financial resources, check out the anchor ball and ring loop system frequently used up there to raise anchors from great depths without the use of a windlass.
I know you'll come up with something workable and probably ingenious, as you Alaskans are noted for finding non-orthodox, make-do ways to avoid every day, common sense solutions.
Heck, just look at Red Fox! With him it's a Way of Life!!!
Joe.