Ooooo ouch! That is a tough question to answer Evan, without getting down into the pattern myself!
But here is my answer anyway: whatever you do...and I think you have a good grip on your beading technique...make sure that the bead displays itself to best advantage. I do believe that is the pattern's main concern when they give direction for the ssk decrease with a bead.
Another thing...could you work an ssk when a bead is involved?
Would it matter much, not being an ssp, when a bead is involved?
Let us know your decision!
And, how's about taking some good closeup digital photos of the bead as it sits on either an ssk as opposed to an ssp...so we can compare the diff?