I have heard you can find a place under the dash, near the steering column and secure a chipped key there. It has to be in the proper position for the car to read it. Then a regular key should start the car.
Maybe just leave the chipped key hidden in the car so you can pull it out when you want to drive the car.
If you are misplacing so many keys, how are you unlocking the doors?
I do not think one can get around the chipped key requirement in the computer.......
You're absolutely correct. You need something that can transmit the needed code for it work. The ECU requires it before it'll even allow the vehicle to function.
I had a Camero that I bypassed the chip in the key. Not sure if Ford works the same but what I did on in was find the ohms that the chip was in the key. Then you have to put that amount of in in a wire between the ignition switch and fuse I believe. When I did the mod there was lots of info on the process. Maybe search and see if it transfers over to ford as well. Good luck