It depends.
Traveling on the scheduled DHs is stress free.
I am relatively stress free on my deviant travel because when things go wrong, I pass that stress on to CRS or the DO. I have missed the 8 hour domestic check-in 4 times now, no issues since I passed that stress on. A bit more stress of will I make it now (and get paid) since the load factors are so high when the travel plans crump.
But losing the pay for one trip isn't that big an issue for me.
The bigger difference is that if you're taking the late, scheduled DH and the connection breaks...CRS will put you in a hotel. Don't make it, you still get paid. Plane's break, CRS and GT fix it.
Deviate-hotel isn't a bankable expense, you work with the airline-and maybe GT to fix it. IF you've got a weeklong pairing, another 300$ fare to get you there is worth it