gear pattern experts

In a streeter,with an automatic,don't be afraid to run the backlash tighter. It is more important to give new gears what they are asking for.And on the street, the backlash will probably never get too tight, nor will the shock of engagement be a concern.
While I have never run zero backlash, the fact is that zero would be best. Zero at running temp, that is.And if the pattern called for it, I'm not sure I would run zero. But EP oil can take a buttload of pressure; an extreme amount. I've never had a pattern that wanted to run that tight, but if I did, I'd probably try it. I mean it's not a $8000 engine we are talking about losing here.
Listen to your pattern.
Your second pattern is for sure better, it would be fine for a teener.
But if you have stout torque and traction, it still wants to be deeper down and closer to the pinion. Sacrifice backlash and coast side if you have to.