Search mode is always less efficient than running a panda for the group id. The hit has to show up and then the pandas start running vs already running the panda to catch it the first time it shows up. If you know the group id, just run the panda. What search mode is useful for is catching hits from a requester who changes group ids often.

700ms is very much pushing the limits. That go ham mode is really for when you want to do nothing else but focus on catching that particular batch. You'll likely have to back off as soon as you start actually working on the batch. It can be useful to try to fill your queue as soon as the batch drops, but there will definitely be pres when you start actually submitting hits or doing anything else.