Alot has to do with the fact there are many new shoppers. I went with a friend that had never done a 4 man,

so basically they don't want to split, they have the impression they will lose with a small crew. The other night we had 13 shoppers. 7 on one team nand 8 on the other...right? Nope!!! One jumps in the elevator last second and leaves us with 5 while the other group had 8... happens alot, you just roll with it!!!
The clan is not perfect, and never will be. I maxed with 800 SOS so I have dealt with this type of situation alot, it's not like you have to put up with this often it was just a one time thing... and you posted it in a way that not going to solve anything. I have seen alot of new faces and the so called "original shoppers" are golfing more than likely, many of those toons were maxed or close to maxed. I have friends with very slow computers and have waited a long time for them to log on after we run. I seriously doubt you would want to split and leave your friend if it took them 5 minutes to get back on TT. The group they are with will not likely wait for them to log back in if the group runs, like you as a friend would.
The newbs need to be aware that we split right down the middle. If theres 10 we go 5 and 5... many of the members are capable of soloing the VP so it's not a problem to all you newbs out there. If you want to go with friends round up a group and shop outside of Bouncytown. Oh yeah and have fun!