The last few weeks' worth of forum posts have been invaluable as we plan an 8-day trip; thanks to everyone who responds to posts.
It seems that the weekend (7th-8th) we hoped to visit Rothenburg, there's a rather important event - the Imperial City Fesitval. (See.) Might be the sort of thing that causes the oft-mentioned Night Watchman's tour to be canceled for a few nights?
[UPDATE: My original question went on and on about the city being booked solid and should we skip the city because it's full... but I've just found a place (one of the $$s from Rick's guidebook) that had 2 rooms left, so I've booked two nights. Leaving the Watchman question, however!]
Thanks,
Rich