Solution provided in separate thread have too much flaws, which were already pointed out by another players.
Easily may be used for troling. However, if slots are just locked near the mtch start - it will hurt either the players that are about to start the game nor player who can potentially join near the game start.
Your counter-argument is semi-valid. This may be used for trolling, but consider that the most short match I ever participated in was bout 20 minutes long.
I propose 10-15 seconds slot reservation for sake of picking the proper equpment. If this reservation ability may be used only once per match - there is basicly no harm here - player won't be able to keep slot reserved forever.
Possible counter argument about player reserving, joining and only then leaving is invalid - many jumpy players have a tendency of joining the game as second pilot, for example, quickly leave and never come back - thus keeping the slot reserved for 3 minutes cause of current "Abandon match" mechanics.
Which also brings us another problem - early leavers.
I shall update the OP with this issue shortly.
And I am not able to modify OP because whatever.
Issue #3:
Early leavers.
It is common that some people tend to jump in the open slot of running game without even looking at ship.
As result, it may lead to second gunner/pilot on ship or simply joining the ship that early jumper won't enjoy playing.
So, those jumpers leave the game appox. in 10-20 seconds after joining, leaving the slot reserved after themselves for 3 minutes.
Which is, obviously, is not desired by existant on ship crew.
Possible solution:
Remove the slot reservation for players who spent in match less than 10-30 seconds.
Possible counter argument:
https://gunsoficarus.com/community/forum/index.php/topic,4793.0.htmlIn answer I would like to say same thing as I said in this thread - buy new PC.