I prefer the mulching method. At my previous residence I used the 21"mulching mower. I usually had to do it several times over a period of a month as more and more leaves fell. In the end there is almost no trace of leaves, no bending over, no bagging etc, mulching is done. It works best if they are dry and are lifted with the mower suction. If they sit all winter they are stuck to the ground.
At the new "country home" I use the 6 ft finish mower on my 35hp "garden tractor". It has a side discharge, but I keep recutting until there are just small pieces.
From your bio, I see you have a bush hog, that might chop up the leaves or just stir them up to dry better. The bush hog probably does not have a sharp blades to cut up fine leaves.
The one bush hog I used had a rear discharge, maybe you can back into the leaves to move them for easier collection.
A 3-pt blower to move them.
A rototiller and till them into the ground or stir them up?