If you look at the traces (objectively) in most contests, you'll see that 80-90% follow almost the exact same route...

Even in thermals high above the mountains, the best routes are over the best mountains (one or few routes).

So, Ill have to disagree with you based on my research of contest flight traces.

Also, not sure what "day long" task means. Is there a half day or quarter day task I have not heard about? ;-)