As far as the 4.2 temporary restrictions went, even BALMUNG still had plenty of empty plots when it opeened up for player housing. Sure, I think they were probably all small plots, but myself and several others were able to pick up plots when they opened up to private purchases.

As far as the system, I wouldn't mind if a new system was added, but I can understand if SE doesn't want people selling plots directly. THey can't 100% kill this because you can still trade/sell fc houses, but not allowing new purchases at least cuts down on that. You can also sell a plot for someone to xfer into, but at least this has the benefit of the old plot being openeed up for someone to buy as a silver lining.

Yes it's luck based, but honestly, so is getting a plot at all. If they removed the timer, you would have to be lucky to scoop up a house after one gets demolished before someone else swings by. If there was a lottery system you'd have to be lucky to win it, etc.