I think of you've agreed a payment plan and then dont pay it you are in a worse position than just not paying it in the first place, as by agreeing to the payment plan you agree I'm the debt is yours and you can afford to pay it. Disputing the debt until it goes to court gives you a stronger position i believe.

Main difference from not paying your gas or electric bill is that they can't legally cut your water off.

Obviously get proper legal advice as I'm far from certain or a lawyer.

It's been 10 years so this might have changed, but I refused to pay a water bill because a) I was being charged for a previous tenant's debt, and b) they weren't allowed to cut my water off because I had a child under 5 in the house (same applies to disabled residents iirc). So if this is the case, a lot of households would have legal protection

I am actively trying to dig my heels in resistance to levels of controls and believe where my money goes as an option to help me fight.

How it’s transacted is another option and you are correct these kind of techniques can be useful. Tactics are used against us as consumers so it should be used in reverse.