I have heard of and even tried most of the above ingredients in my cholent and enjoyed them all. It also depends a lot on whether you use gas or electric to heat it, how long it is on the heat for, and how much liquid you have in it (yekkish borne zuppe or chassidish stodge).
These are all ideas for a GOOD cholent. For a SUCCESSFUL cholent however there is but one factor: having none or at least limited kiddushim in the neighborhood on shabbos morning… ☺ ☺ ☺