The one thing with node placement and really any node layout and this is juts my general rule of thumb is "goto the farthest open node from where you are"
So if I respawn at the core I look at my mini map and find the farthest open node and head to it.
There a few thing to consider like if your on foot or not what vehicles are availble to you and sometimes just the shear distance getting accross a map is a hinderance. I just always try to use "the best defense is a good offense" moto. if if your core is being hit going to the farthest open node and hitting it makes the other team have to cover that node and play defense and that my friend is where a comeback can happen.
wp