Understood but the word “optimize” is where I think our points of view head in opposite directions.
If you want to set PR’s in the gym you should prioritize strength training.
My point is for the OP to fit it when he can which is better than nothing. I don’t agree with the premise that if you don’t wait 18 hours to strength train it’s all for not. You will get stronger, perhaps not as strong as possible, but stronger nonetheless.
Again, don’t let great get in the way of good if as in the case of the OP, it sounds like good is going to be good enough.