You bring up another good point to mention. My sets are thicker strings and standard g tuning is possible but not ideal for the strings. My personal banjos always settle down to E, 2 steps below standard g tuning. And instead of always retuning I just leave it there.
For standard G definitely experiment with banjo string sets like Aquila nylgut etc.
I’ve used classical guitar nylon strings for years because they are a fraction of the cost of banjo sets and they are much more durable.
I’d love to hear your findings on how the aquilas work out and what tunings they hold the best for your kit. Thank you
For the bridge question: there can be a lot of debate on it but I’ll give you my opinion.
5/8 should be the maximum height bridge used. If you need higher action you should adjust the neck angle by resetting the black screw in the dowel/rim joint.
My reasoning is that using taller bridges is less effective past 5/8 because you are adding more tension at the bridge- the strings are going to push down harder on the bridge and sink it into the skin further, it starts to just even out no matter how tall the bridge gets.
Adjusting the neck angle keeps the downward force on the bridge in a good range.