Well,

One option is to grow clones first, and get them to have some roots... then transplant them into the netpots with hydroton.

I think I see one of your doubts. I haven't grown DWC, but I can tell you that the roots can be dangling without water contact, and the air bubbles will get them wet. When the air bubbles rise to the surface, they 'pop'. With that pop, they 'spray' the roots.

This goes on until, the roots touch the water. Once that happens, well, roots + water + shitloads of air bubbles = DWC.

I think

-turtle420