I think it helps to conceptualise our babies as people with very valid issues at every stage of their childhoods (actually all their lives, as we know as individuals ourselves!). What's important to them is to know we are there and tending to their needs, because they can't. Whatever the reason for 'bad' sleep (which I can't subscribe to, they don't operate on our timeframe so there' no 'bad' for them), they can't tell us except to wake and cry and ask for us. That's all they have, these honest little critters. They don't exist to throw a spanner in the works.
I think co-sleeping removes a lot of the stress from night wakings, and if you're against this idea, then it won't be helpful. However, it could be a resort?
Tobily - I'm guessing that part of your strategy was to become more focused on him in the daily family routine?
Whatever measures you take, you'd do better to take a 'bite me' attitude towards any outside attitudes that disapprove. You know your baby best