Hi ED-209,
Yes, if you want to try Shabu Shabu House, you need to be there by 10:40 AM, to be seated at 11:30 AM. For dinner, the line "dies down" a bit, you don't have to wait 2 hours anymore, typically 1 1/2 hour would be sufficient
. And you're right, you have to be present when Mr. Yoshi (the owner) calls your name, if not, you have to wait another 1/2 hour
.
From you list, my fav shabu-shabu restaurant would be: Kagaya & Shabu Shabu House. I also love Mizu 212, located in Sawtelle (LA's 2nd Little Tokyo!). Mizu 212 has a really yummy peanut sauce too.
Regards,
ATM