Thanks for all the tips, wrtiii.
Some reviews I read seemed to be talking about the cheaper lanterns that were hard to get aloft, but it might have been technique since it seems to take a little skill and knowledge of what you're doing. I know the fire keeps them aloft and when they burn out they drop. I was more interested in people that might have had malfunctions where something caused the lanterns to fall with the fuel cell still burning. Those reviews made me a little concerned.

The cheaper lanterns i saw online all have the wires.
But I also found the "Original White Sky Lantern with treated rope/string that secures the fuel cell and comes completely assembled. The hoop is bamboo. I would consider buying those.

Granted, the wires are cheap and flimsy, but they add up. The reef by the beach is struggling and I don't like the idea of personally adding to the stress.

The propane torch sentence made me grin - I wouldn't be at all comfortable using one in Negril with alcohol involved. I know me.
Again, thanks for the info!

Mrs. Wilson - nice to "see" you too.