i don’t see the difference in crowds honestly, being gifted with a 6’3” height has its advantages to finding a good spot. For HEA and Illuminations I would show up 20-30 min and get a great spot between the Partners Statue and the MSUSA end of the hub/near the Canada friendship dock, for Enchantment and Harmonious I show up 20-30 min before to get the same spot on the Hub and in the former FP viewing area. No difference.
The only show that required more time was Fantasmic, and I would fix that by buying dining packages.