So it seems like the modified version of the circuit shown above, with R2 bridging the MOSFET instead of bridging the capacitor, is the best solution for my application. But just for the sake of thoroughness, what is the difference in operation between the original circuit including R2, vs. the original circuit excluding R2? I can see that R2 in its original location would help to discharge the capacitor a little faster when the circuit shuts off, but what other effects would R2 have in that position, since it's also connected to the gate terminal of the MOSFET?