I have used repti-bark for the last couple of years, but finally got tired of the clean-up hassle.
I recently switched to aspen bedding, it's much lighter in color, easier to clean, and the snakes seem to love making their little tunnels through it.
However, I still think that the bark makes for a much better looking Viv. I still think that I'll never switch back though.
And about the feeding thing, if you have nowhere else to feed, maybe try placing the pink on a cleaned up butter tub lid. At least that way, the pinky won't be likely to ever touch the bedding.
Just my $0.02.
Jason