Always cut the end off and compost it along with the leaves.
Be honest, rhubarb is such a vigorous crop, that I'm happy to cut the end off.
Eat loads fresh as Rhubarb and custard or mixed with yogurt.
Make loads of rhubarb crumble to freeze and use through the rest of the year.
Do also freeze a load in tubs and just pull out a handle to mix in and make rhubarb muffins or make some winter rhubarb and custard/yogurt as a treat.
As for sweetness, I have Timperley early and Victoria varieties and both need a little sugar. I just add a level teaspoon to water in a pot and stir it in well before adding the rhubarb to the pot for cooking and that seems to work just right.