I don't understand what's all the complaints about.

Even though I lost the first round of lottery, I just did a cursory check and there's still hundreds of free plots available just on Balmung alone, let alone other worlds which would have even more considering Balmung is housing savage.

Seriously, just pop over to Goblet and you will be guaranteed to find a small plot with zero bids this round. Just don't be greedy and bid on one for now to get into housing, if the opportunity comes up next time to try for another plot of your liking, you can do that with the comfort that you still have a small house in Goblet should you lose the bid.