matt, first of all, you look wayyy better in the first pic and your bodyfat is NO MORE THAN 12% . i determine peoples bodyfat visually all day every day and im never off when i double check with the calipers.
secondly, why in the world would you second guess having a system when it comes to your nutrition, bro? eating every 2-3 hours and balancing proteins, carbs and fats is the ONLY WAY TO PRESERVE LEAN MASS WHILE IN A DEFICIT.
rule of thumb: if what are you are doing is EASIER OR MORE COMFORTABLE than what you were doing...rest assured its also less effective!! lol!