My view is slight off, I do believe going second and winning by tie is acceptable, thought not optimal due to reason you mention of first pick being the hardest.
However what I deem extremely unfair in the case of winning by tie (which happens to my quite a bunch) is the following:
1. I get first pick,
2. opponent chooses first pick,
3. opponent wins by tie.
In this case my opponent gets an extra move on me! as being both first and putting the last tile. Now one can argue that this was him outplaying me, but it still seems unfair. My opinion on this particular situation is to end by actual tie, as is found in other games.
However what I deem extremely unfair in the case of winning by tie (which happens to my quite a bunch) is the following:
1. I get first pick,
2. opponent chooses first pick,
3. opponent wins by tie.
In this case my opponent gets an extra move on me! as being both first and putting the last tile. Now one can argue that this was him outplaying me, but it still seems unfair. My opinion on this particular situation is to end by actual tie, as is found in other games.