As for buffet strategy, here's mine:
1. Do a lap around the entire buffet to get an idea of what they have and make a mental note of what appeals most to you.
2. First trip is the scouting trip, to take one or 2 pieces of whatever appeals to you, the expensive proteins/seafood. Then after you have sampled each item, the subsequent trips are to target the tastiest high value items, and to try what your fellow diners say are the tasty items.
3. To get the most bang for your buck, load up on the protein and seafood items, i.e. roast beasts and critters, sashimi, oysters, king crab, pretty much anything you know costs more at any a-la-carte restaurant.
4. Minimize the filler dishes, i.e. rice, pasta, starchy items
5. Minimize drinking, since you need as much stomach room for expensive protein
6. Always save room for desserts, especially the exotic and unusual ones, i.e. creme brulee, lava cake, etc. Yea, I got a sweet tooth.
7. Don't take too much of anything, be considerate of other people, pretty good chance they will refill anything that runs out. It's not good to have too much leftover food, especially bad if you didn't like the items you hoarded.
8. Enjoy your meal! Remember, it's not an eating competition, you don't want to overeat and feel bad after your meal.
And what, exactly, was my agenda when I created T.I.?? This ought to be good. 
