In following the customary ranting style that CD threads follow, here’s my solutions…

The entire situation is pathetic. It’s really unfortunate that people quit when they get behind. It really pisses me off because I was in a good position in both games and I’m guessing I would have had a shot to go a long way in both of them. I had competent neighbors and allies. It’s really bad.

I suggest:

1.) As others before me have said, a discounted price to join an open spot. That would allow people with 7 (cough Tyran cough) to join a game that has a decent position and maybe get themselves a few more points to join future games. This would also make the simple 2-3 center positions a little bit more amicable and appealing. There’s potential for those that can find it in those positions; what better way to promote that potential than to give everyone a better opportunity to join?
2.) There needs to be a penalty for CDing. I’ve seen reliability rates, sure, but why not an actual penalty? Why are people docked points for breaking rules when others that constantly ruin games get away with it? I propose that, along with the discounted prices, the player in CD must pay the remainder of the discount. Seems mean, yeah, but it’s not exactly nice the way I’ve been shut out of two potential good finishes tonight.
3.) There are passwords, but what good are passwords in live games when all you want is players? That’s where the CDs happen and it is seemingly the same players that ruin the live community for everyone. If a player CDs in a certain percentage of games they play, they should be placed on a “probation” of sorts in order to earn back the trust of the community around them in that they might actually finish a game. Yeah, this takes work and thought, but it can’t be too hard to implement. I’m no computer genius, but we could easily try something like a reliability rating with some sort of eventual replenishing option.

I’m sick of CDs. I’d rather play with six of thatonekid’s accounts than draw in 1901 every single time I try and play. I’ve resigned from one game and I had a reason for it. It’s not acceptable.