RE: A wheeled cradle for a seaplane?
The dynamics are the same it makes no differance if its a glider being towed from the nose or an airplane being propelled from the nose or in an overwing nacelle. If done properly it works very well. The aircraft will depart the dolly at takeoff and the dolly will stay on the ground to come to a stop or even tumble but usually not.
If the dolly is attached to be dropped after being airborn the result will be dolly damage, Ok I suppose if you want a one shot deal. A steering servo for the nosewheel is over kill likely to cause more problems than neccessary such as how are you gonna separate the servo harness at takeoff.
A tricycle dolly making a straight takeoff can be steered to some degree with the air rudder before liftoff. This will not happen though if you free swivel the wheel.
John