Use one of the apps to hold log in position

Since you already said there is no chance for new servers or expansion of current hardware. Can you modify the software token app or companion app to hold queue for log in?

Let us log in and queue up in the app. Takes load off live servers. Shouldnt get a 2002 error while app is holding position. When queue pops, send alert, give 10-15min to log in or lose place in line. No one has to watch their pc screen for 4 hours this way.

Similar to the queue holder devices used in restaurants and amusement parks.

Just a theory, idk how long it would take to develop and implement, but should be way cheaper than new servers and on a faster time table.

It's still using a queue system with your proposal. And if you think of the restaurant's queue holder device, there's a real person moving up the queue position. I don't think a person would want or can authenticate thousands of people manually (which is not possible) within seconds... I commend your effort though!

There is no way around the queue system, is there?

No, heh. Think of having a door that one person can go through at a time. For the person to go through the door they have to show an ID. Now speed this event up close to the speed of light. With math working, EACH door can handle around 100 people per minute to have them go through. Now, let's have TONS of people trying to push their way through. This is where we are...

SE is trying to get more doors, but, there's a shortage on door knobs.

i understand that analogy. I know that. Is why there is a queue. But I dont think the main issue is doorknobs or doors, its seats on the inside. Inside is at capacity, causing the entire staff to poop the bed. But they could simply hire another guy to watch the line and do nothing else.(app)

Server capacity is a different beast. We're talking about letting people in. You're mixing the two. The queue is DUE to all the seats taken in that room. The door is holding people back before they are let in. SE can't find more rooms with seatings due to a shortage of rooms. You can't hire another guy because there is a limit to the amount of entrances that a room can have (until technology invents more doors at least) before you have unscrupulous individuals coming in causing problems. EVEN if you add another door, all the seats are already taken and a fight will break out and fire will start in the room. :p

But, yes...in order to lower the queue is to add more rooms which is the problem that SE is having trying to find those rooms...and doorknobs.