I personally prefer Tier 3. I like being able to take everything in at once from above and I like the seating arrangement (I am generally not a fan of floor seating). With that being said, with a party of 9, I don't think I would do Tier 3 seating. The seating is ideal for parties of 4 or less because you can't really communicate with someone who isn't next you. Tier 3 sits on swivel chairs between the railing and the table, so when you are watching your back is to your table and when you're eating your back is to the railing or you can kind of sit sideways so the rail is on one side and the table on the other. I think part of it would have to do with who makes up your group and if communication during a meal is important.