I think flexibility is a good idea and our first trip was really about exploring and travelling. We didn't spend a lot of time in any one place (except Arisaig which we spent a few nights at). We have always said if we went back we would spend more time in some of the places we visited and explore more deeply. We did the west coast simply because its hte most beautiful in my opinion, the east can be a bit bleak in comparison.
My experience of Skye may be one that many disagree with and may have been something to do with the weather and our mood on those days. We stopped at the Glenelg inn to catch the ferry the next day, stayed in a real room, had wonderful food and whiskey and then the next day the ferry was cancelled due to bad weather. The inn was a welcome break and a lovely place to spend an evening. The scenery around there was lovely and there was of a lot of places you could wild camp with amazing views. We didnt (sorry
@Teejay for missing your earlier question) but we saw plenty of people camping and even living in their vans in these spots.
The drive into Sligachan and Cuillin hills themselves were the most beautiful parts of Skye for me, and everything else seemed a bit of an anti climax after that initial experience.
Applecross is beautiful and amazing but I agree with V's Dad that in the wrong weather there would be nothing to see. I'd also say its not for the faint hearted or those who aren't confident drivers but is worth the trip. It is a single lane road, with passing places with drop offs in places. Me I drove up there with some Muse playing and felt like I was in some kind of music video, with clouds drifting above and below us, waterfalls and lochs in the distance. On the other side the campsite is nice albeit the busiest we came across (in september) and the small pub was bursting at the seams (book tables ahead for eating).
Glencoe, Glen Etive, and even the scenery on our way home was breath taking, the sun coming out really helped! Just thinking about it now has given me a shiver, I really want to go back there!