You're describing almost ideal situations for most Dryopteris and Polystichums, I think. If you want tall, specifically, then the Robust Male is indeed excellent, I've grown that in almost full sun and full drought. Polystichum munitum gets pretty big and is drought-tolerant... but they won't be drought tolerant until the year after you plant or even the year after that. You'll have to water thoroughly every three days or so until they've been through at least one winter and have established roots. For really tall, you can't beat the Dryopteris australis group but I don't know how drought-tolerant they are.

I think the suggestion of making an arbor for some quick shade is great. Cover it with an annual that grows quickly to start and then plant some perennials that will eventually take over. I made one with treated wood salvaged from an old deck using 2 6"x6" posts set in cement, nailed a pair of 1x6's-one on each side-and then using short one by ones accross them for a real substantial structure. Cutting the ends at an angle gave it a nice finnished look. If you put some lattice with it you'd get a nice patch of shade.

Oh how fun! I'll definitely have to check into it.

That is a pretty one. I have purchased ferns though the years and all but a couple didn't last. The ones I have are tough but I don't know their names. I would go for it and keep trying them. Ferns like anything else can look good in the spring and then have an ugly time. You might have to deal with that. Maidenhair in my experience wants a spring or really ferny mossy conditions which I don't have in my yard.