I've always had good luck with the bubblers. (I run two off of one air
pump, so it keeps a couple of small holes open). Occasionally they do
freeze over, so I just pour a teakettle-full of hot water over it to
reopen the hole - or (very gently) tap with a stick on the ice to break
it up around the bubbler hole. Don't bang on the ice, though, or your
fish will have concussions.
This winter, it hasn't been a problem at all. No ice on the pond!
As for the PJ's, well, I doubt that the neighbors would appreciate mine
(or lack thereof!)