Go for the Light! Craft is the most important, but I've found that I am very well rounded after YR and SR. They really are important, especially if you are intellectually-inclined.
Wait if you have a reason to. Don't wait for the sake of waiting. If you have the interest, pull the trigger. Just be cognizant that it may lead to more responsibility which equates to more time away from Lodge and home.
Whatever you do, don't abandon your Craft Lodge. I recommend York Rite AND Scottish Rite if you want a thorough understanding of Masonic hisory, philosophy, and teachings. York Rite if you are really into the Blue Lodge style of delivery (a MUST for all Masons is Chapter and Council; Kights Templar if you are Christian); Scottish Rite if you are into education, philosophy, and an intellectual (a MUST for all Masons that have the aformentioned attributes--regardless of religion). The Shrine if you are a businessman, heavy interest in massive charity, and are into the social side of Masonry (not necessarily Masonic, but with great Brothers and fun, none-the-less).
Waiting for the York Rite is probably a good idea because it is very similar to Blue Lodge in content-delivery and it will only help you be better prepared to work in degrees and be active. Both bodies generally meet once a month. If you plan to be active (which you will be strongly encouraged to do, as mentioned in previous posts) you may want to tackle them in a staggered way. I'd highly recommend the Scottish Rite if you are an intellectual, but say "I'll think about it" to everything and then weigh the duties heavily because you will be quickly overwhelmed with assisting here-and-there. But if you start sooner, you WILL receive more Light and it will start putting you into contact with Brothers you would never meet otherwise and philosophy that may have you researching way more than you ever intended to. Both bodies offer a plethora of knowledge and the eager Brother will walk away with a lot more to offer hos Blue Lodge as he eventually goes through the line.
I highly recommend both when you feel the pull. I especially recommend the York Rite if you, or any Brothers, are not Christian. The Degree Work is beautiful and an amazing continuation of our Blue Lodge Degrees. They are also much neglected by non-Christian Brothers and they are UNFORTUNATE not to receive the Light the Chapter and Council has to offer.
If you are a dedicated Blue Lodge Brother and non-Christian--do yourself a HUGE FAVOR--join the Chapter and Council! You will find it a MOST FULFILLING experience! That is a promise and a guarantee!
Graham
Master Mason
Sam P. Cochran #1335
Love Field Chapter #396
Love Field Council #478
Texas Lodge of Research
Scottish Rite Research Society (SRRS)
Grapevine Chapter #326, Order of Eastern Star
A.&A.S.R., Orient of Texas, Valley of Dallas, S.J., U.S.A.