The beginning of the rush depends on the venue too. They may let you go at the beginng of FFG. Just keep a lookout. I went to 2 shows in Vegas and one of them they let people up at the beginning of Edge, and the other they let people up during HSML. Good Luck!
And as far as cameras go, they have to say what they told you. Last year I went to a show that said the same thing, only to find them selling disposable cameras at the souvenier stand!
~Jamie