I do the tour every year. I just like to get all of my tickets ASAP so all I have to do is save up money for souvenirs. Plus we always ask for a specific tour guide and we want to make sure we are first on their list.
It's a shame that they stopped letting us out in the park at the end of the tour, but I totally understand why they did. I don't mind going back through the gates. Still gives you plenty of time to find a place in the holding areas for HHN that night.