Back to the 7 people at 7pm deal... showing up at 6pm won't help, it just means you'll have a longer wait till 8:30.
To me, the whole point of sushi is to sit at the bar. That way you can order as your whims decide what you want to eat. Plus you get fresher fish (eating raw fish that's been sitting out 30 minutes won't hurt you, but it's much better when it's near frozen rather than room temperature). Having been screwed by the table thing 3 of the 3 times I've tried it, I don't bother any longer.
Anyway, if Matt and Mike are both out, getting 5 together at the bar is much more do-able, I'd be in for that.