Since there's current activity on this, here's the solution we came up with for the original post:
We imbedded a 1/2 inch steel plate (8 inches x 48 inches - posts were 16x16) plate verticaly into a concrete pier, tied into the re-bar via holes in the plate. Concrete went from below frost line to ground level. As a platform for the post, we slid another piece of 1/2 inch plate (12 inches square)with a slit cut into it over the verticle steel. Each horizontal plate had four bolts to level it relative to the other posts and hold it approximately 3 inches above ground level. Once level, concrete was packed under to form a 3 inch pyramid capped with steel. A piece of EPDM rubber roofing topped this.
The post bottom was routed out so the bearing surface was up inside the post one inch. This provided a full drip edge around the perimeter. The slot in the post was plunge-cut freehand with a chainsaw. Bolt holes were drilled in the posts before raising, then through the steel plate once it was up. Bolts could have been countersunk and the holes plugged, but we knew a good blacksmith, so had some fancy bands made to go around the posts and cover the bolt heads.