I think for us more simple minded people Dante explained it best and I believe, with or without peer reviewed research to back it up, he is correct.
Bulk up and hold it for a long time. Be progressive as possible with weight and food, be ok getting a bit sloppy, not fat but a bit sloppy, and minimize the increase in drug doses to get as much as possible out of each increase.
Create that new set point in muscle mass and as you progress, it will be that much easier to hold onto as you diet down. And easy to regain should you run into life issues that cause you to take an extended break.
Anecdotally, I find daily increases of 300 to 500 calories comfortable for me. Ill increase 300 to 500 calories, hold that for a few weeks to assess the results and adjust as needed. I haven't ever noticed an unacceptable increase in body fat that way. I do however attempt to get the bulk of that increase from protien sources.