IR LED - Which would use less power?

I don't own a uCurrent (and can't afford one); I have no good way of measuring low amperages. (I am contemplating building one over time)

That said; I want to run something on batteries, but (of course) want it to run forever. I have done a lot to get it down...

But, I am running an IR LED to send a single IR code periodically.
Currently, I have it (see attached, lower schematic) run it directly off the arduino pin. This is working.
But, the (see attached, upper schematic) "proper way" has been suggested may be better in power usage.

The difference that I can tell is: the LED would be taking power directly from the batteries (3 AA) instead of thru the arduino regulator.

"KISS" tells me to leave it as is; but if the proper way would yield longer battery life, I'd happily go with that.

Any ideas which will perform better, battery wise?

Thank you.

(Bonus Question: If you use KiCad, how can I get resistors to show up with more conventional zig-zag line?)