itamar, I have not tried the water tooting test, so not sure how it would work. I'm quite surprised that the top cutting (second pot) grew so well. top cuttings usually don't do well for me. They either dry out or are too soft, so the stems don't produce roots. I usually manage to root the more woody cuttings. In your third method, I think you shouldn't let the mixture become so waterlogged. I don't think nepenthes roots are adapted to anaerobic conditions for such long periods of time. I find perlite + peat an excellent rooting medium if planted the normal way in a pot with drainage holes..
shawnintland, great roots! :D Is that a trichocarpa/amp cutting..?