Yes, there are many ways to go; as usual, what is the easiest during the animation phase is what I would pick, so the expression has the main focus.
I think having many options is a great idea, and then picking the best for the current project.
Please note that I prefer the Null/MoGraph Tracer setup over the Spline IK. But it is equally good if the Spline is used instead of the Joints in the Spline IK setup.