I can't pretend to know what is best in these two positions. I can only say what I would play. I continue to err, however, in many ambiguous middle-game positions. I guess my odds here are probably 50/50, so maybe I will get one of these right!
I don't see score as a major factor in these positions.
                         |
| ||||
| XGID=-a----ECB---bDa--bbcb--bA-:0:0:1:63:4:2:0:7:10 | |||||
| Blue to play 63 | |||||
Position 1: I like running, R = 24/15. Trailing, as he does, it is thematic for Blue to stay back. In this position, however, he might easily be primed. Now is a good time to bolt. If hit, he will trail further in a race where he was already behind. If not hit, he may complete his escape on the next roll. His checker in the outfield also helps contain White, in case he jumps into the outfield on his turn.
        |
| ||||
| XGID=-a-B--E-Ca-AcC---b-cc-b--A:0:0:1:42:4:3:0:7:10 | |||||
| Blue to play 42 | |||||
Position 2: I will make the obvious play, entering on the 21pt, B = bar/21, 11/9*. Hitting from the midpoint would strip that point, while leaving two outside blots. It would also cause Blue to prime himself, back on the 23pt.
Mike