@CrossRoads, your schematics are enlightening.
But it raises some questions.
I don't see how it's possible to have +24V on the gate.
Also the "low-current non-inverting buffer" has two N-channel MOSFETs? Couldn't I just do that "resistor to ground" with just one N-channel MOSFET then?
And what's wrong with the off condition, since the output is already pulled down?
It's very late here. I should revisit this tomorrow morning, with a fresh set of eyes.
Thanks