It really comes down to having high enough perception that you can do two scrutiny > meticulous in a row and then check to see if you can get away with another meticulous or if you need to use scour for the base increase to hit 1000. If you have the GP left and it's still awhile from the next node spawn, pop the 1 extra gathering attempt skill (600GP total) to get another 1000. It's worth it to focus on getting the 1000 point gathers as much as possible, as they are worth both more xp and more scrips and it will keep your inventory space usage down as well so you have to make less trips turning them in.
A few rotations when get access to the white scrips will basically let you get all the white scrip gear, which is plenty for gathering classes. The only time the maxed out aetheste stuff comes in super handy is just slightly improving the chances of getting HQ mats and reducing your grinding by a few rotations on the dragonsung stuff. It's not enough to lock you out of anything if you can only get the white scrip gear. It's ilvl 500 and plenty good until probably halfway or beyond in Endwalker.
