I take Gary - which runs parallel to Emert to get to Maryville Road. It involves perhaps one more stop sign, but the traffic on Gary is a lot less on Emert and it seems easier to get onto Maryville Rd.
I seldom use Stratford as a thruway, so there is not as much of a need for me to take Emert. Gary is a good way to get to Johnson Road or St. Clair to get farther into town.
To get to 162 I either stay on Maryville or go south on Nameoki.
I always found Stratford cumbersome, but take it every now and then.