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@marcusjb
I used to be diligent about ECE. I've ECE'd a 300km event up to a 600km in the past. I've done plenty of 50km to and from for an extra 100km. Some events I have done 100km there and then got the train back at the end of the day.
These days, I can't be bothered with the paperwork. I ride to and from as many events as possible (no car and it's more time in the saddle, which is always good), but don't worry about getting any points as they are not really my motivation these days.
Personally, I would say 300km is the breakthrough point. Get that sorted and everything else can fall into place. Even the longer stuff tends to work out at having to do 300-350km a day minimum, so once you're happy at the distance, you can then start to apply your strategy to pretty much anything.
Much of the above is why 400km is often seen as one of the harder distances - it's much further than you typically ride in one go on longer stuff (even a 600 tends to have a sleep stop at less than 400km). Well, that's until I noticed that a lot of experienced, and fast, riders actually stop and have a sleep on 400s! No point in rushing around and finishing in the middle of the night is there? Since then I have always had a short sleep on 400s and things have been much easier. Takes a little jump in your approach though, if you are speed motivated and like to try and 'beat' your last time or whatever.
There is always a nutter who will out-nutter anything and everything you can think of/do!