In days gone by, pressure pattern navigation did just as you describe, alter course and (many times) altitude to achieve the maximum ground speed and hence least flying time, even if the distance traveled was greater.
Of course the reverse was true as well, adjust the flight path (and altitude) to achieve the least headwind.
In these cases, the flight path was randomly curved, so will not work in todays airspace, due to fixed tracks.
In the 'good 'ole days' the Navigator did all the work...leaving time for the guys up front to read the newspaper.
