A problem I see with auto-group is that some people might just auto-follow and get sp while beign afk.

They are planning to change the claim system, so maybe like others have said it will no longer require a party. It should work more like Campaign: Only get sp at the end of the battle and sp is rewarding based on your participation in it. This will prevent those who afk/do nothing.

Campaign worked very well imo, would also love a similiar system in ffxiv, inluding "company notes" vs allied notes for unique items and even skills.