fmagnets: I have always had the impression that gimmes do take ball life. Another naughty bit of programming by WGT. If in doubt, take the putt - an actual putt won't take ball life, and if it's a gimme then you can't miss it anyway
Yes the explanation is bit of a paradox. As for the OP, extra hits on mulligans are still a better way to burn credits than CC passes.I'd say you would be best of playing rounds like Alanti said with the full difficulties from back tee.