I've preached that for years right here on this forum and been argued into oblivion, so I've given up. All the naysayers said it doesn't matter where the regulator is. I like mine as you say, as close to the carburetor as possible, but on the return side. That way you're using the regulator as the return restrictor. Of course you must use a return style regulator, but there are plenty out there to choose from. It does make a difference, IMO, where the regulator is. At least it always has for me.