Yup, that's the way we do it. We use Reltec (or whoever they are now, Emerson?) BEPs and 5 pin protectors. Not cheap but like you said the only way to go.
Amazing how many times we see cable run between buildings with improper cable and improper or no protection. Many times we are there because lightning wipes out whatever is connected to it.
We did OSP for cable many years ago. Telecom is different but once you are used to the OSP regimen learning to work with copper instead of coax is not that difficult.
Most times when we were doing underground it was in a common trench with telco and we were there at the same time as the telco splicers. Always pays to look over your shoulder to see what the other guy is doing and ask questions.
-Hal
