We LUV the R&C as well. It's really IS one of our favorite area's of Epcot, and the CM's there, for whatever reason, are consistently some of the nicest and most helpful folks on property.
Perhaps one day if we ever make it past the pub and into the actual restaurant I can review that as well. (Just kidding) Sort of...
The food is good, (although not as good as it used to be - "Thanks again", dining plan.
) But still well worth checking out.
And yes, sadly the outdoor seating for Illuminations is luck of the draw.
Although, I'm reminded of one incredible Christmas Eve day back in '09. We had enjoyed a couple of frosty ones at the pub, (go figure) and on our way back out into the park we struck up a conversation with the woman who was standing at the outside check-in podium.
"Will you be returning later this evening to join us for dinner ?", she asked with a charming British accent that sounded like it was straight out of Disney central casting.
We smiled and told her no, explaining that we had no ADR's.
"Well, let's see what we can do about that", she replied, glancing down at her computer screen.
"We have an 8:15pm reservation open, if you'd like", she said, "And I'm fairly sure we can seat you outside if you'd like for a view of "festivities", even though it might be a wee bit chilly."
We just stood there with our jaws on the ground.
"Yes, we'd very much like that", we heard ourselves say.
And just like that, on one of the busiest days of the year, we ended up seated outside with a great view of Illuminations and a memorable evening that just fell into our laps at the last second.
Now, of course I can't guarantee the same experience for you or anyone else reading this, but I mention it to remind you that that "Disney magic" can rear it's wonderful head when you are least expecting it.
Keep the faith, and good luck !