hoping that my opponent would quickly pick up their team and place tactics on their cards without knowing my lineup.

Even submitting early, they shouldn't be able to see your tactics because it should be an "unreadable JSON" file, but I often get the feeling that something is awry.

I don't think waiting for too long really matters to scholars, though, if it is their full-time job.

Maybe not, but if everyone does it, it will be frustrating and they are more likely to get tired. They won't be able to play as many games either, unless adding 20-40 hours to their gaming time per season, which also lowers their overall score.