The landing platform needs to be downrange of the launch point - else you need a LOT of fuel to stop the first stage from going east, turn it back west, aim for the coast, then stop and hover and go down slowly.
My preference? Throwaway ribbon parachute, then a gas-filled balloon to slow the descent waaaaaaay down. That rocket thruster was really cycling all over trying to aim at the landing platform.
This. I though of that after I hit "Post," but it was too late...