The only time I can feel 100% safe that no one will try to bring in a PLVL is when I'm lucky enough to have people all from my linkshell in the party. If just 5/8 in the party are from my linkshell, we stand a better chance if one of those pickups insist on a plvl.

That person can leave, we can find a replacement. Even if all 3 random pickups leave for the PLVL, we can still find replacements.

But if it's 7/8 - 6/8 random pickups, more often than not the party is split apart when someone brings it up. It is becoming harder and harder for me to level with a group legitimately. I was already long-winded in the OP and won't re-explain this.