Thanks for bringing this up, Kyren, I had similar worries for rather long period of time. Was too busy however for trying to take any actions on this case.
Well, I've already talked to Skrim about the idea of moving the Training days into beguinners lobbies. Since 1.2 CAs are able to enter lowlvl matches, so we can finally find a use for this power. The only obstacle here is the fact that we would not be able to attract non-CA substitutes in emergency case. So this may (or may not) drastically cut out pool of trainers.
On the other hand, much more new players will have a chance to join a spare slot. Moreover these matches wouldn't be too harsh for newbies in comparison to others when too skilled players are sitting on gatflak or lumberjack.
Weighting profits and losses I think we should try it...if you agree to try, of course.
Allowing Training day to be on a full day run seems to be an interesting idea, really. All of you will agree, however, that teaching is not an easy job, so I doubt if we'll find much volunteers to run it for hours every week. Especially keeping in mind the time difference, jobs, studies and so on (I won't be able to help at earlier time, for example).
But to repeat, the idea is interesting, and it would be GREAT if we could realize it at least for month or two.
And advertising...yeah, it really sucks. Steam and forum usually bring 1-2 players to the event, very far to count it effective. Promoting even an hour before the event usually allow to attract more.
In this case, an idea to add an ingame schedule board with a few words on every event, date and time, contact info and etc. seems to be a billon times worthy. Not only for Training but for every event running within Guns of Icarus Online. I guess we can also pull in some of Muse (probably Morbie) to coordinate it's filling, moderating, well, everything to keep it updated and regulated.
It could be also autocopied to the forum for further convenience.
Yeah, the more i think about the last, the more i decide that we NEED it. I hope someone will make a thread on this case, it's too late for me now, but i still can make it tomorrow if you want to pull me to front