I also think the latter is cleaner. I might also suggest that if you are going to integrate with Python, you should make it as "batteries included" as possible

I also think the latter is cleaner. I might also suggest that if you are going to integrate with Python, you should make it as "batteries included" as possible with the Python data stack (numpy/pandas/scipy/sklearn) so that you can easily add a redbean web app to an existing Python project without worrying about how those "heavy duty" libraries will work.