RX Consulting with Search Fund > PE - Positioning?

Howdy chimps - looking for any advice on positioning for PE recruiting/outside perspectives on the options I'm weighing.

Quick profile: sub 3.5 GPA (though 2300+ SAT and decent explanation on GPA) at semi-target > Nomura-esque LevFin analyst for 1 year > top RX consulting shop for 3 years (A&M/Alix, promoted two levels to current level of Associate). I knew going in I wanted to do RX banking-type work and my firm has supported me in that (done plenty of 3-statement modeling with cap structure toggles, etc., as opposed to a very narrow focus on 13-week liquidity and the like - feel modeling skills are very strong), though this is always a pain to explain tactfully. Let's assume I have a good story for why PE and why the delay in recruiting (don't want to make this post too lengthy). I have also been a GP (with a majority GP partner who is running the business day-to-day) and LP in various search fund deals to the tune of low 6-figures in equity checks written, which I hope helps a bit. 

Question: Assuming I am targeting as upstream as I can go (again, think I can articulate why), which of the options below is best? Anything else I should consider?

-Just start recruiting. Pros: Least time/tenure wasted. Cons: Will be a tough sell to HHs and may limit me to LMM (at which point upstream seems difficult)

-Lateral to Assoc at name-brand RX firm (HL/LAZ/etc), then recruit after 1 year. Pros: Easier recruitment Cons: Extra year gone, extra job hop

-Take GMAT (got 750 on practice with limited studying), then recruit. Pros: May help with HH screens. Cons: Extra time for potentially marginal gain, would rather interview prep

-Any other options to look into?

Any thoughts would be appreciated, realize I'm in a tough spot and even LMM may be a stretch...