I have to tell you I actually liked the reservation system. It took a bit to learn the tricks, but I got it figured out.
I went in 3 times in the last two weeks to see Horsetail Falls light up.
The first time was Feb 10 and the park was empty, I had lunch across from Yosemite Falls by the Church and I was the only car parked there for at least 45 minutes.
Went to park at the lodge for the walk to see Horsetail Falls and literally I saw 6 cars in a 3/4 mile walk. The fall lighting up was a total bust due to cloud cover.
I decided I would go back the following Wednesday before my day pass expired. A pantload more people and reasonably crowded, but nowhere near as bad as having it wide open like normal years. Nonetheless I was in the Lodge lot by 3:30 and it was full. I snagged a tiny spot by sheer luck.
The fall was barely flowing and I decided to get a more direct look at it. Clouds came in and the rock lit for a bit but I was in to a direct position to really capture it.
I had already snagged a day reservation for Feb 24th. The park was busy but nowhere near the crowds I had to deal with on the 17th.
This time I parked in the Lodge lot at 3:30PM and had my choice of spots. Several people asked me if I knew where to go. I said follow me and after investigating several view points we had a full blown winner of a spot. Clear sky, just enough off to the side, to really see the fall light up.