My BGK went from 3 inches to 10 inches in a year.
He had fantasic water conditions and a variety of good foods - infact I haven't found anything he won't eat
. He is also in a 'community tank' and he has done very well. He is long and sleek but powerful at the same time.
I am not sure of any impact on the life span. I am sure in nature there are times of plenty and times when food is scarce. Just like people - they adapt. Some people feed every other day - some twice a day. Who is right? Who is wrong? I don't really think there is an answer. Just like raising our children - we take advice that seems 'logical' or from a trusted source and mix it with our own experiences - to varying levels of success.
I am pretty sure that if I decided to miss a feeding for Shadow - he would get to a certain point and then 'hunt'. That is his nature. One of the reasons the 'community' has thrived is that food is not an issue. I try not to over feed - sometimes that is hard. If I find that there is more food than normal when I do my WC each week, then I know I have been over doing it and I need to cut back.
I prefer to be the 'hand that feeds my BGK' and if his life is shortened by having good food and a safe place to live then 'so be it'. It is just a preference like many other things in life.