Selecting Tables at Empire $1/2

[PocketPaul]

I have just moved up from $0.5/1 to $1/2

At the $0.5/1 table I was generally able to directly join a a table with 8 or 9 players and a relatively high average pot size.

At the $1/2 tables whenever I find a table with 8 or 9 players the open seats are always reserved and the waiting list is long. I often have only a limited amount of time to play in my sessions so I prefer not to join a long waiting list.

I then always end up joining the any table waiting list. This gets me to a table immediately, but I am just entering a table at random, so am probably not finding the most profitable tables.

Is it worth waiting for a better table? how long would the waiting time be if the waiting list for a table is say 8?

Any info on how you guys select your tables would be welcome.

PS I have little short hand experience and so prefer not to play at the 6 max tables just yet.