Loose Leash...ARGHHHHHH

ok, so i have been working with Rosie for umm..lets say forever..on loosh leash walking.

i currently use the easy walk harness, but she pulls so effing hard that she is beginning to loose fur where it rubs her under the shoulders and across the chest.

so i am going for a bold move tonight. walking her on collar alone. i am hoping it is not a mistake, but i really need to give her a break from the harness. it's also a little scary, since she's been crated all day and she will be FULL of energy.

anywho, i have heard a bajillion different techniques for loose leash walking, ie stopping altogether, walking in a different direction, etc.
Lately, I have been walking with lots o treats, and when she walks loose leash i treat her and say "good walk".
the good news is, when she does that she's amazing. she is focused on me for the walk, my arm stays in tact, and no pulling. the bad news is, i want her to be able to walk treat free, and in this case if a leaf blows by, she's off charging ahead again. (imagine what happens when she sees her doggie friends on the walk)

so my question is for any of you who have reformed problem pullers (especially those with big strong dogs). which of the bajillion techniques have worked the best for you? i would prefer to just keep it to her collar and avoid harnesses, head collars, choke/pinch collars. and i know this question might make me look like a dummy, but how long did you stick with it until you started to see results? i know the most important thing with this is consistency, but i don't want to spend months working on a technique if it isn't working.

i know that after having Rosie for almost a year, I should have this walking thing down, but it is just a constant struggle with her. she pulls so hard, and with her being so big and strong it is just getting harder and more frustrating. any advice would make me love you forever.