I think this is exactly why Disney says you should be "nearby"
Just as a discouragement from people not serious about going doing this.
So, than those of us who actually are there that day on a vacation/ can't reschedule will miss out on a 7am boarding group if people not serious about going are just playing around with the system or seeing what happens.
Right . I am curious how "nearby" you'll need to be -- but I hear you --- Note -- my "test" involves actually getting a BG for a family who will be at DHS that day. I just plan on doing it FOR them (with myself as an additional person in their group). I also want to be able to "test" to see how the system works so I am not fumbling around the morning of my DHS day since you need to be on the ball. (which is just ridiculous).
I think the BG system for THIS ride (because of how insanely fast it fills) is just awful.
I too worry about how this change will just make it harder for one time guests to get a BG .. because locals and APs can try for a spot from the comfort of their home. Having to be physically in the park was a barrier .. which meant LESS people were trying to get a pass. Now a lot MORE people will be trying since there is no penalty for having a park reservation (and not using it).
Hopefully bumping up the ride capacity (with plexiglass barriers) will help get more boarding groups per day.
So .. with this in mined; I just rescheduled my park days like this for January .. for my 5 planned park days to maximize my chances of getting in a BG.
Monday - DHS (if I don't get in a Rise boarding group -- I'll switch this to AK or Epcot).
Tuesday - MK
Wednesday - DHS (in case I don't get in on Monday) .. otherwise I will just cancel the park reservation and make this a resort/Disney Springs day
Thursday - Epcot
Friday - DHS again (just in case I don't get in the other two days) -- if I have already . I will probably make this a MK or AK day
Saturday - AK ..
I'll probably only go to DHS once, but this way I have three "shots" if necessary over the entire trip..