Nodes have precedence over gradients in node tool

<off-topic>
Note: IMHO this is a far more general UI issue. The same conflicts can occur with pattern handles and path effect knots (both types are always stacked on top of the path nodes), but for them there are no workarounds
 a) to disable the special knots rendered on top of the path nodes in the node tool context, as well as
 b) a special tool to edit the knots only
which exist for gradients.
</off-topic>

I think this could be solved by simply adding toggle buttons for the gradient and pattern editors. On the other hand, we already have too many buttons on the tool controls bar for the node tool.

What about one button which handles both?

> this could be solved by simply adding toggle buttons for the gradient and pattern editors

What about the path effect handles? The existing toggle (to edit effect parameter paths) does not include knots e.g. used by the new Powerstroke path effect, or by the "Hatches (rough)" and "Knot" LPE - those are always present in the node tool context.

Maybe there could be a generic toggle in the node tool? e.g.:
- off (default): path nodes on top
- on: special nodes on top

My preference regarding the gradient handles being visible during path node editing would be to not have them there. The current situation seems like poor UI design to me since it acts like the gradient tool is partially active. (The handles are visible, but the rest of the gradient toolbar is not.)

I really don't see the utility of the current situation since if either of the hidden path nodes is selected (by dragging a box around it), and then its position is adjusted with the keyboard arrow keys, the gradient ends do not move with it. And there is no problem getting the gradient handle back on top of those path nodes using the gradient tool - just set: "snap nodes, paths, and handles" and "snap cusp nodes, incl. rect corners", then move the handle nearby and it will snap on.

David: This is a use case issue. As someone who primarily does design and illustration, having them available is a great convenience. When tweaking the appearance of something, it's handy to not have to switch tools. If your preference is to not have them there, double-click on the Node Tool button (in the Toolbox), and uncheck the preference for "Enable gradient editing".

Why is "Enable gradient editing" the default setting?

Likely because the feature is a convenience for a greater portion of the userbase than those who feel inconvenienced by it... and the feature was added by a designer if I recall correctly.