If I just send log insight JSON would it be possible for it to automatically parse that into 'fields' w/o having to do a complicated regex?
Yes, I read the API. I don't want to use that either because it means re-writing our app.
Not released yet, but the recommendation would be to install the LI agent and leverage the JSON parser when available. It will handle the fields and sending in the proper format to LI without modifying your application.
