I like using the search function, it saves me from wasting my time. I've been invited to parties that responded to the query of |where?| with a zone that search shows is obviously overcamped, and in those cases I've turned them down. (Mire party, huh? Well /sea shows 93 people in that zone. I'm thinking that's a tad overcamped so I'll pass. I'd rather spend the time chatting with my linkshell mates and FL friends, browsing through the auctionhouse, or helping someone accomplish something that spend my time in a party where there's more standing around than actual fighting.)
When I make a party I use the /sea to see what camps are open and present the party with choices based on what's open that works with our setup. Knowing multiple camps for different party set-ups is vital if you're going to use the /sea function to find an open camp where you can get a respectable amount of xp/hr and not have to sit around with your thumb up your bum waiting for your puller to find something to actually pull.