Trying not to lurk here so here it goes. Went on the first Friday night and we enjoyed it. 2 adults and 2 primary aged kids. If you do the suggested walk it’s about 8k so plan accordingly. The bit through the piers under the bridge was a bit lite on lights I thought but Barangaroo had plenty. The only paid bits were the gardens (which was a shame as it was good last time we went) and the Wynyard tunnels which you have to book. Only other downside is the drone show is only on some days so we missed that. All up had a good night and the kids enjoyed it.
Basically as you suggested. My vege patch backs onto the fence so I hook one side of the shade cloth to that, tie the bamboo onto the front side of the cloth and tie two bamboo legs that can be driven into the ground. Means if you need to work in the patch you can unhook it and throw it over the front. Made a surprising amount of difference.