With these google updates, i believe the "Multiple Articles Over Multiple Domains" it's the best option. My only mistake was that i work on the same website for years, and now every year google sandbox me and i need to change domain with redirect. i am tired of changing domain every year because of google updates...
Now i duplicate the same content in every way possible (new domains, new host, new ip, theme, seo plugin, internal links, etc) and "eat/earn" from all of them more than before, even i have less less traffic compared with the main domain.
Google updates? = making new 5 domains at 2$ at piece every year on each idea and i'm done.
The sub-domain method regarding the backlinks/rank, like www1.domain , did not work well for me. but when i change domain and redirect 301, my traffic goes over 300% in 2 weeks on the new domain.
i hope i was on point on your question