[camaraderie]

Billy...good topic. I have been in just two situations like yours over the years and both times we stayed out till daylight and then made our entrance. In one case it was most uncomfortable to do so and a 40ft. power boat that left the inlet at daybreak was pooped and sunk shortly thereafter.
I might take a chance on a straightforward, ClassA inlet that is well marked in settled weather...but there is usually just too much sensory deprivation and interference at night to take a chance. Ultimately each captain must make the choice for the safety of the crew and boat based on his best judgement...but I would only enter an unfamiliar inlet at night if I felt I would be in danger of losing the boat by staying out and had a better chance to make it inside.