Interesting, because in many situations, I am running the 744 at 0 while the input is completely controlled by the 302. I didn't think it should be that way. I can't complain about the results, but it struck me as wrong, since I had the 744 at 0.
Running it this way essentially uses no gain at the 744. Which is what you want, given that the pre you've selected is a good one, and you bought because you like its sound.
You might even like the sound of the 302>744 better than the 744 pre's alone when running two channels only, given that the 302 uses Lundahl LL-1576R transformers and the 744 is a transformerless design.
This is all academic though. Run it the way it's easiest to do so and causes the least amount of stress. 4 nights of MSG is hard enough as it is....
I, as someone who does more post processing, tend to prefer to use a Transformerless pre and if I want the "sound" of distorting transformers (or tubes, or Neve consoles, etc.) to add that via a plugin in post where i can control everything.