Ok, I know that there is a lot of information on EUA's in many threads on the board already. Still, I think it would be hugely useful to have this question answered in a consolidated way:

What is the best strategy for maximizing your chances of an EUA before you've bought a ticket?

I know to look at the F bucket (though I still don't know how to find that info), and don't trust the seat map etc etc. But are there good "rules of thumb" one can use to select the itinerary with the best EUA chances?

In my particular case, I want to book a RT OAK-IAH-OAK for the weekend of Jan 19-21. I could fly Friday at noon, or the Friday night red-eye, or even the Saturday 6am. Return could be one of Sunday evening's flights, or the Monday 9am.

Given that situation, what process do you more expert members go through when deciding which flights to choose? For example, maybe Friday afternoon would be awful because of business travelers returning home... then again, maybe business travelers can't leave at noon (so they'll go to SFO for an evening flight). Are red-eyes always a good shot at EUA? I'm looking for guidance of this sort... like I said, the rules of thumb.

Of course I'm immediately interested in what I should do for this upcoming trip, but I would love to hear more general information: what to look for, what to avoid. What strategies do you use when your schedule is flexible?

I only need to be in Houston for a day or so, and all itineraries cost the same at this point, so maximum EUA chance is my top priority. I'm Silver Elite.

Thanks for your input.