Don't knock it, not bad at all and you want to see my first gull shots many years ago, actually no you don't want to see them
Lighting conditions are tough in these, so not too bad at all. #3 is the type of shot I would go for or as you say, the last one, but coming toward you would work a lot better. That wing postion, yep you do get to see all the feathering lines in the wings, always looks great, but that third one with the wings up still really works well IMO.
All the best and just keep at it and try a decent bright day.