The easier return along the coast to Aberdyfi and lack of second Kings ascent will get riders further along the route in about the same time as if returning over Trawsfynydd to Kings, so the extra challenge of Gospel Pass will be dampened; plus the elation from the extra views will offset the sting. But then again Gospel Pass is a bit like Cheddar Gorge; a couple of steep bits but the rest isn't too taxing.
I have the second Kings stop last year at 373km, and Aberdyfi on this years route at 381, so it's not much further along, but avoiding those climbs in the dark will be worth it.
I am looking forward to the gospel pass, because no matter how tough the climb the views are worth it, especially as it is always sunny in Wales. Is there a more scenic 600km in the calendar? Machynleth mountain road, Harlech beach, pen-y-pass and now the gospel pass too before Tintern Abbey.