A traverse rod with pleated drapes is the best option for drapes that are open and closed often. The sewn in pleats keep you from fussing to make them look good, and the traverse rod makes them easy to open and close.

I think pinch pleats are probably too formal for my house. What would be the next best option?

You could do pinch pleats but attach them with visible clip rings instead of a traverse rod.

Personally I don't like the clip rings because the curtains sag between them. They look sloppy to me and not in a casual kind of way. I love the grommet look, just wonder how long it will be around. I also like the ripplewave look and believe you can do them on a traverse rod, some of which are very pretty. But, I'm not sure either of those work with cottage vibe either. How about tab top? Those aren't too bad to slide and move. Could even put wave tape in the top so they open in waves. For cottage I think of soft and billowy, nothing too structured. Knowing me, I'd get a pretty traverse rod and figure out some way to attach the tab tops to make them work with the traverse rod. I can get very creative with things like that when necessary. :) Not sure if that helps, just my thinking out loud.

I don't think pinch pleats are too formal. The drape style is a "small" element of a completed room and does not define the room. The fabric pattern and material will play a part too. I like the look of pinch pleats and and did all my drapes that way for windows in both casual and more formal rooms.