Why are Statics so difficult sometimes?

[Jojoya]

This is just a game, which means it's going to be low down on the priority list for most people. It's hard to find people who can put a game higher up the priority list.

Working adult doesn't mean mature adult. Some people will say anything to get what they want, including agreeing to a commitment they know they can't keep.

You can't try to form a group around what's convenient for everyone else. Form it around what is convenient for you since as leader your presence needs to be guaranteed.

Be firm up front. Tell them after the second absence within a certain number of weeks, they will be removed from the group. A mature adult will understand that their repeated absences isn't fair to the rest of the group.

Don't obsess over people not spending time outside of the instance to learn the fight. A lot of people simply can't learn that way. They need to be doing the fight to get a feel for what's really happening. Don't obsess over wipes, either. That's how people learn.

If there are problems with individuals, talk to them privately as others have said. No one is comfortable having the dirty laundry aired in public and others in the group will start wondering if they're going to be next.

As for raiding with friends, it depends on the friend. If they can pull their weight and commit to the group like everyone else, it's not a problem. If they're going to try to play on your friendship for special favors, don't do it. I've got long time friends I would absolutely trust in a static group and others I wouldn't want to raid with outside of an occasional pug. You just have to try to use your best judgment.