Couldn't you just use plain ole chicken wire mesh. Cut to size etc. To keep the leafs out of the gutter? Cheap alternative.

Even Bob recommends that: http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Gutter_Wire--T1025.html

On the Down Pipes. Ball up some of the same wire and place above the down pipe. To prevent any down pipe blockages.

Get a pressure washer with a bendy wand, which you can use to blast the debris away from safely on the ground
http://www.ultimatewasher.com/gutter-cleaner-wands.htm

I saw some rain in the distance yesterday. That's as close to rain as I've been in a month.