For sure precook your taters. Think of it this way, baking a potato takes at least 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven. You just measured your "oven" at 165* and it had just gotten there. The meat around them makes for a good insulator, hence why cheese does so well inside them.
As for bacon, make your weave and then stick it between two pieces of waxed paper and roll it out flat. It makes thick bacon into thin, and thin into perfect. If it still doesn't crisp, you can stick the whole thing in the oven, on a hot grill, or use a torch.
I haven't known of these things for very long, but I've played a lot recently and learned lots. They are worth trying again as when everything comes together they are AMAZING.