Increase Server Capacity

[Ashren]

If this is such a huge problem, move to a less populated server. Every single complaint about this sort of thing I ever see on the forums comes from people on Balmung.

This isn't even remotely an option. As I said in my original post, I've been on Balmung since Fabul and Besaid merged, originally coming from Besaid. I've been playing with most of the same people since 1.0 was around, I have connections, friends, and people I consider family in a way on Balmung and I can't just pack up and leave, or ask everyone else to come with me, so as I said this isn't remotely an option.

[kyuven]

words.

Then you need to keep in mind that either anyone new will have to jump through hoops to join you, or you and your friends need to cut ties and move.
This isn't something SE can solve with a magic wand or a new system. They've mentioned they're reworking the servers for 3.0, but we still have no idea how this will affect the server loads.
This is one of the trade-offs you have for being on one of the most populated servers the game offers.
Also there's the fun aspect that if SE DID increase the "server capacity" balmung would STILL fill up and the problem would STILL exist because it's as popular as it is.

[Ashren]

Also there's the fun aspect that if SE DID increase the "server capacity" balmung would STILL fill up and the problem would STILL exist because it's as popular as it is.

Maybe, but at least then there is a good chance that the window of opportunity to join the server would be larger than a wink of an eye at the crack of dawn.

[Parodine]

The sad thing is, I knew the complaint was going to be about Balmung before I even opened the thread.

[Ashren]

The sad thing is, I figured the complaint was going to be about Balmung before I opened the thread.

It's the only bloody server that is almost guaranteed to never be open!

[kyuven]

Maybe, but at least then there is a good chance that the window of opportunity to join the server would be larger than a wink of an eye at the crack of dawn.

Then I suggest you be patient and wait for 3.0
Also keeping in mind that, due to being a large content update, the first 2 days will likely have congestion issues because of being a huge content update.

[Ashren]

the first 2 days will likely have congestion issues

That is incredibly optimistic of you consider the state of the game when 2.0 launched, and what every expac launch has ever looked like for other games. (looking at you WoW)

[Evergrey]

With the new expac coming out soon, I can only imagine that things will get worse with new players drawn in, returning players coming back, and the overall increased activity of current players.
.....
If I were the only person who felt this way, then I'd be happy to just pack up my things and leave, but that isn't the case, and thus the problem isn't mine. The ball is in SEs court to fix an issue that numerous players are having

Sooo... you want to invite your new players to an already over-pop server. But at the same time admit (imagine) that things will get worse with new players drawn in.
But, aren't you a part of the problem by wanting to draw in new players aswell?
To me it feels like you are missing that part.

Sure, it is not your fault alone. But I dont think SE locks down servers for the fun of it.
The problem lies with the Balmung community, the part that refuses to see other options then what they want.

Make an alt on a different server to play with your friends. It's not like you'll never have time to play with your main character again.