Hearthpwn

Do end of season rewards like rare and epic cards (assuming you earned them on ranked ladder) respect missing cards first rule? Is it better to play until august 1st, then wait on the log in until august 2nd for that reason?

I do believe they follow the rule, though it's standard cards not last expansion ones. As to wait part I don't believe that makes much difference.

assuming (most likely) since the patch will be out before the expansion release and first of the month, and you can open packs and own cards from the unreleased expansion in gatherings, I would say the rewards will include the new cards even if the expansion isnt come out yet officially.