I don't know about 0.8.1, but for 0.9.3 I have it %100 consistent now. It should be finished uploading by the time you read this.

I personally hit the spot slightly more to the left, but with the kart rotated a bit more to the right, and turning right at the moment I hit the spot. This, and red skidding, helped me to get it very reliable.

For the fastest gate skip, I think the start point is from Cornfield Crossing's spot as I did in my any% WR. You start farther, but you only have to do a half-circle versus a full circle.

I used to do something very similar to you. I used to attack it trying to find a reliable way to get up there and I eventually did find a very consistent one, just on a different polygon. this one looks nicer, so well done.