I definitely enjoyed my recent trip, which was during the homestand versus the Cubs where the Cards won all three games. (I didn't see any of the games in person, but I did get to meet the lovely scoow, and I can brag that I was the first FT'er she ever met. )

That said, my answer to the questions:

1) Yes! My first trip there was on a free ticket from AA (the Mavericks promotion), and I enjoyed the weekend. (I posted in Community, but maybe not everyone noticed it - some did, however, for which I am very glad. )

2) The weekend of Sept 14 works better for me. I would love to get to see a Cubs-Cards game in person.

3) On this trip, I visited the Arch, so I'd pass on it. The Balloon Glow/Races would be very cool! Going back to Harrah's is definitely a must - I need to continue my hotstreak on the Blackjack tables. I also want to prove the aforementioned scoow wrong on the Brewery Tour so she can finally see the beer being bottled (when we were there, this part of the tour was not taken due to maintenance on the machinery).

Oh yeah, I was also lightly (and I believe unfairly ) criticized for not taking in any of the other tours and activities, so I'd be interested in them.

4) I don't mind the party room thing, but IMHO, the additional money spent there could be better utilized at the casino (see above).

5) Airport Hilton. The braised Lamb Chops are awesome! They have a shuttle to/from the airport, which also stops at the airport's Metrolink station. Harrah's Casino have a shuttle that services the hotel.

The weekend I was there (the weekend before Labor Day), I booked an Executive Level room for next to nothing, so I figure that 9/14 would probably offer more of the same pricing.

Metrolink is extremely convenient and easy to use, with stops near most of the key venues, particularly the ballpark (the day I traveled to the Arch, I was awash in a sea of red as fans were heading to the game). A One-Day Pass offers the best value.

I would opt for an "on my own" option based on the reasons above.