I know-I was super annoyed by that when it was announced. I actually complained to Disney Guest Services via email (that, plus the Express Transport shutting down with little notice), and they ended up giving us extra FPs for several of the days-some of those we weren't able to use because of Hurricane Irma shutting down the parks! But it does seem that Disney makes sooo much money from their parks, yet they lose money from ESPN, etc, that they take it out on the money makers by reducing staffing.
Oh no! I've definitely heard RnRC can be a hit or miss. When we rode it, the SR looked pretty short, but I think because the signage is so obvious, more people get in line for it. While you get things like Everest, which is not obvious, so can be very quick.