Do we have thoughts? Ha!
So I wouldn't bother with Disney club--for me it's a non-value money grab. Getting an AP for just this purpose--also wouldn't do. That's a decision I would make solely on trip math/usage. A TA can be useful if you are prepared to buy a package. Their bib availability is pooled now, and I am not entirely sure that it is identical to what WD Travel offers. ( I have tried t go this route before and got different answers)
If you're going solo, I would just be online, logged into your Disney account on multiple devices to improve your chances of making it through the queue. Once in, don't delay. Get the registrations selected and paid for. Your registration isn't guaranteed until you checkout and pay, i.e. they don't hold it in your basket. Seems like the short distances sell out fastest, and on Marathon Weekend, Dopey as well.
If you're trying to get multiple people into an event, I have no good ideas. Also, if you want merchandise, I have no clue--but don't delay while in the registration process to decide. But I'm sure you'll get lots of responses.