I guess I'm currently sitting at option 2. I just sat in front of the tank and looked at all areas, and all get "sufficient" flow, with some maybe getting too much. It appears that all, even with option 2, have enough flow to break that barrier, if there is a barrier, and it can be broken
But all polyps out, all moving well, and sand (mostly) staying on the bottom. I think I can move pumps around a bit, and maybe even lower a bit further. I don't think the cardinals will like it now