Unfortunately Grouchy's fortress was a failure. I've since built a new fortress in a new world that is going much much better. I have some new grouchy personalities, but this is a good suggestion regarding making them scholars. I just set up the library and have designated some scholars. Now if only anyone would start writing a book too!
I would not like to start another new world at this point, as I have gotten a lot of progress now again. I'm not sure I want to change the religion mechanics or reduce the chance of necromancy either. That being said, I don't entirely understand how the monotheistic vs pantheistic thing works. In game none of my dwarves seem to be listed as having more than one deity. Do they have hidden non-primary deities that aren't shown in their personality? Is that a bug where it says they are trying to pray to one god, but are actually praying to one mismatched for the shrine they are in or something? I haven't really been having the same level of problems in this new fortress anyway, everyone seems to be praying ok when they get the time off... of course I'm not giving anyone much time off, get those defenses built NOW!
With regional force religion type, all your dwarves will have the same deity (force). So you need only one temple for all fortress (except temple for visitors from another civs).