The stop in Europe is a great approach. I'd do an airport hotel too. Makes it even easier.

If you don't opt for a stop I would go direct. I know it sucks but it is one sucky flight versus two or three. I think that second 6 hour flight would kill me. I used to do ATL-PDX-NRT a lot and coming back I didn't want to get back on the plane for PDX-ATL.