JMT Permit Process

Hi Jeff, my wife and I are planning to thru-hike the JMT this August, starting in Yosemite. We are TOTALLY flexible as to start date, and to a lesser degree, trailhead. On the permit form, one is given three choices...entry date and trailhead. If we submit one application with, say, our first choice being Happy Isles and 8/5, our second choice same trailhead but entry date 8/6, and third choice 8/7, would this work, given the stipulation that one cannot submit the application until Feb. 18 for the 8/5 entry date, Feb. 19 for the 8/6 entry date, and so forth? Or, would it be better to submit one application with the same entry date, but apply for three different trailheads on that date? Then, submit another application for the next day with the same choice of trailhead, etc.? Was thinking that since Happy Isles to LYV is ALWAYS sold out, perhaps Glacier Point to Illiouette Basin the first day, then to LYV the second day, then out to points beyond. With total flexible schedule schedules, what is the best chance of getting a permit, besides getting to Yosemite a week early and waiting in a line every morning at 3 AM? Thanks, RB