Of course the big advantage of coming second in the group is

[SWv2]

I still think playing the home leg 1st is or should provide a slightly bigger advantage.....

A home tie only provides an advantage of any sort when you concede no goals. I am not convinced it being first or second really makes a difference.

[Alberto Balsam Rodriguez]

A home tie only provides an advantage of any sort when you concede no goals. I am not convinced it being first or second really makes a difference.

Your first point is exactly it however, when you concede that home goal(s) is crucial. 0-0 into extra time or 35th minute in the 1st leg.