Joe,

I just tried this and I could get used to this very easily. I think you came up with a good idea. There is nothing awkward about this method at all.

Using your method, give "Wild Thing" a try. It's the classic A - D - E. Using this technique that you just came up the transition between the chords was incredibly smooth. The index finger remains rooted to the G# the entire time. And if you do use this method, you are bringing your pinky finger into action. The pinky will be one of the most difficult fingers to train in terms of dexterity and strength because it doesn't get used as much as the other fingers.

Wild Thing is one of my favorite songs to play and I think I will use your method going forward. It's more efficient.

Good luck with your studies.