Simplifying is usually a good thing. I would like to have your thoughts on the results of more than an order of magnitude increase in its output Z your plate load choke modification would cause. Experimentation is also good. Any curcuit could loan itself to further experimentation, it is in large part why we're here.
What property or performance parameter were you improving by changing the cathode load from a low Z LED to a hi-Z choke? Also, what would the DCR of this choke be? and a final follow up, how would said parameter change?
cheers,
Douglas