Rise is one we actually buy every time. We always zig while the masses zag during rope drop with only 1 exception (Epcot) to save the stress of running with the bulls, and we typically get more done. At HS that means starting down Sunset and working our way back from Tower. Rise and Slinky are always done with LLs, it’s the only way I’ll ever do that park. It just makes for a far more chill morning.
The end of the night strategy is a nonstarter to me for this ride because of how unreliable it is, you’re essentially playing Russian roulette doing that esp. if you only have one day for HS. I would only ever chance it on a longer trip with multiple HS days.
Ofc there are only 2 of us, and we are huge Star Wars nerds who love Rise (it’s actually my partner’s favorite ride, and it was mine until Cosmic Rewind came out) so it’s easy to justify the purchase. For larger groups I can see the aversion. But for us it’s worth it to avoid lines and stress.