^^^ Nice Matt.... some good examples and key things to think about with each.
Generally, I have found that if you have really gotten into contest shape, dieted hard, body fat is VERY low, etc. etc. you will be primed for growth immediately after the show. Insulin sensiteivity will naturally be very high and muscles will be starving for glycogen and nutrients.
Over the last 4 years I have added a total of about 36+ lbs of true contest wgt. That is about 10 lbs per year by following something similar to this
http://www.professionalmuscle.com/forums/members-photos/94619-4-years-36-lbs-later.html
With the help of Shelby, this is what seemed to work best for me. After the show... get rid of the exotic chemicals, get rid of orals, drop to a maintenance or slightly higher dose of test and get back at it. Training volume and intenisty is reduced a bit to ease up on joints but you will also be holding a lot of water which help the joints. For me, I will train 4x per week, or EOD. I keep my precontest diet and slowly increase carbs and fats. Intra WO nutrition is added back in as well. For example....
(P/C/F)
Week 1 - 375/ 300/100
Week 2 - 375/400/125
Week 3 - 375/500/ 150
etc, etc.
For me this will usually last between 6-8 weeks. My main goal is to maintain appetite and NOT overload with food. I have found in the long run over eating will hurt your appetitie more than help it, especially when you need it most deep in the offseason. I will normally add a cheat once a day or EOD during this time. I keep adding food until I feel appetite has slowed and insulin sensitity has dropped.
At this point, food is reduced a bit, I clean out, detox, PCT, etc. take about a good solid week off of gym, if not longer. Then begin my true offseason
I do not use slin during this time as naturtal insulin sensitivty is very high.
Something to consider.