Pin vises are handy and inexpensive, but they aren't just for drilling holes. They can also be used to hold your miniature and provide access to basically all parts of the mini.
Poster tack on a stick or old paint pot work fine, unless the tack gets old or the mini is too heavy. Then you have your miniature falling off and into your paint just as you are putting on your last details. You also have the Citadel holder, but that means giving money to Games Workshop.
With a paperclip and a pin vise, you can hold pretty much any BattleTech mini and do so ergonomically. The balance provided by the vise is also helpful. A dab of superglue will hold the pin in the mini no problem.
The only other thing you need is a wire nipper that will cut the paper clip flush after you are done.
