Anthony, i saw your route-choice caused some amusement on the Shropshire Fell Running page! Congratulations on the prize though!
Being serious about that route option.... i did take a look at it. But figured the climb from the valley bottom up to Jonathan's Rock had to be getting on for 5mins, and couldn't see the direct route giving the 5 minute saving required to justify it in comparison to the longer route.
Although as you correctly state, it was quite a headwind around the tops.