adobe illustrator - How can I make a gradient go around a compound path?

I want a gradient to go around a compound path, like so:

^{_{not necessarily a hexagon, but any compound path}}

You can notice how the gradient is one continuous gradient that goes around the object (not straight, not radial)

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To make this, is quite an annoying process;

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  I have to have it as a stroke (doesn't work on a paths fill)

  
  


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  I have to add in an extra color (whatever is the end of my gradient) to make it blend properly (also has to be aligned perfectly or it looks off)

  
  

  

If I need to change the "end color" there's a whole process in changing both.

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I'm hoping there's an easier way to do this.

My concept

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  A circular gradient (not radial - which is still linear)

  
  


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  The idea is, just like a circle - there's no end, it's always blending with it's neighboring color(s):

  
  
  

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Does something like this exist?

Would this be a practical thing for Adobe to incorporate^* or is it not plausible due to limitations. (It seems pretty straightforward to my uneducated brain).

_{*If so, why haven't they done it yet?}