Yes, I do like random better. The different starting positions suggest different opening strategies (sometimes), and the middle game tactics can be more interesting, for example, you can sometimes play to cut off an arm of the board. So in other words, the strategies tend to be richer than in symmetrical catchup. Much more exciting, in my opinion.
How about to have some fun and enjoy 2019-Xmas random catchup tournament.
From now we need: 1. Organizer; 2. Participants. 3. Good mood
I see that catchup game is underpopularized here (meaning number of active players) what is truly big surprise for me. I am playing only few months and find the game has combination of easy going (don't spend to much time on calculating next move) and still interesting and not easy tactics. Random is even more attractive!
I will try to personally wake up some players who has used to play catchup and guess 1 game against each opponent will be enough.