Ride Times does make it very easy to monitor though, whereas because Thorpe doesn't have that service most things go unnoticed other than Samurai and Slammer being down. Thorpe's end of season was definitely far from smooth
Vikings is a good team to be in from what I've heard though. Recently they merged with Steelers so gained Colossus, Rumba, Detonator and Quantum. Teams of four rides was stupid anyway, hence why they all became three teams again by October.
It's amazing, just how it should be all the time. Frustrating that something like that is possible on Stealth yet The Swarm and Saw just have floodlights thrown at them.
(Stealth topic I know but...) Mccy is right in that if the effects are working, they're turned on. When it comes to the fire and mist they're on almost every day now so you must have been very unlucky. Especially the mist, I honestly can't remember ever not seeing it on? Don't even know what you mean by 'various water jets' as well as 'water sprays' but yes the water spray by the fire engine is the only one at the moment which is turned off (but not forgotten about). I think Thorpe showed over winter there's every chance theming and effects could yet be expanded upon too...
I'd be amazed if any major/thrill rides started closing at 8pm. I'd assume if it's very quiet at that point rides like Tidal Wave, Storm Surge, Zodiac, Flying Fish etc. may close at around 9pm.