Can't you figure out how to use the saucer with this set up? Looks to be a little electrical job and that's all.

Same problem in an older home. We used a chain with the cord, hung the light from the "hook" over the dining table and ran the chain/cord to the wall and the outlet. I was able to hide it in the drapes once it hit the wall where the outlet was. I had sewn a "tube" in fabric and slipped it over the chain...worked pretty well.

a) Is there attic access to install an electrical box where you want the pendant to be? If not, cutting into the ceiling for access and then repairing should not be too big of an issue. b) Is a sprinkler necessary for some code reason? I've only seen sprinklers in commercial buildings.

Hm, I'm not sure, there are sprinklers in every room and it was here when we moved in. I guess I should call a local electrician and ask. Thanks though!

Is this a single family home, or a condo? Some older apartment complexes that were later converted to condos have sprinklers in the ceilings.

There are municipalities that require single-family residential sprinkler systems. Sprinklers have different clearance requirements to show that their ability to sense, control and suppress a fire is not impaired. In addition to distance from walls, there are clearance requirements from heat sources. As far as lighting is concerned, it is typically 6 inches from a light fixture up to 250 W and 12 inches from a light fixture from 250 W to 499 W. However, your electrician should know about the clearances for your building codes.

Do you always need a chandelier in every case?

Think I would work little harder and have an electric line for the ceiling lights/fans. Having the covered cord strip crawling along the ceiling really takes away from your light fixture.

Which way do your joist run? Likely there is a run that could be made within damage to your ceiling from an electric box to the place you want your pendant. If you can save up a couple of electrical jobs and do them at once, you can cut your costs considerably.