Return fuel system w/ current parts?
Which way to plumb it can depend on how the regulator is designed. Some can be plumbed either way, others have a decided preference for one vs. the other plumbing method.
Mine has about 20" of dead-headed hose btwn the regulator & the carb. If vapor lock were a huge problem I'd move the regulator much, much closer to the carb. As long as I don't buy the cheap junk and ARCO fuel all is good.