In recent days, I’ve noticed an increasing discussion in the global chat about overcrowded cities, such as Sistan and New Hanoi, which have more than 100 members. Since most of the players I’ve spoken to view this as a problem, I decided to open this topic to suggest changes to the recruitment system. However, before we move on to that, I would like to explain why I see overcrowded cities as an issue that needs to be addressed:

1. When players first join CCNET, they are unfamiliar with the server's dynamics. They don't know which plugins we use or what they can expect or do here. Depending on which city they choose to join, they will be limited to that city's gameplay style. For example, imagine a city without any Slimefun factories, where the economy relies entirely on fishing. A new player joining this city might never have the opportunity to learn about electric machines or Movecraft vehicles, aspects of the server that could spark significant interest in them if only they were introduced to them earlier. Being in a very basic city can be a frustrating experience and might make a player quit CCNET quickly, thinking they’ve already seen everything we have to offer.

2. Not all cities have the proper infrastructure to accommodate this many players. By infrastructure, I mean: (1) Plots where they can build their houses or store their belongings. While it’s not mandatory for every player to have a house (I understand that some prefer a "nomadic" gameplay style), it’s rare to find them; (2) People willing to teach them how to use the plugins and explain the server in detail.

3. It's unlikely that overcrowded cities gained their large number of players through qualitative means. The most probable explanation is that they attracted them by spamming invitations, that being extremely invasive and inconvenient. Of course, there's merit in recruiting these people, regardless of whether the spam method is moral or not, and it's fair to say that players chose to join these cities of their own free will. The question I pose is: Does the player truly have the maturity and game knowledge necessary to make the best possible choice? Is this fair to other cities that work hard to provide a better experience for new players?

Now, for my proposed solutions, following the logic of the points above:

1. Prohibit players from joining a city while they are under the newcomer protection effect. I suggest this because I’ve personally seen protected newcomers being used as WEAPONS to assist in conflicts, either by scouting areas and reporting intel to allies or by invading and looting ruined cities without being killed. A second suggestion would be to implement some kind of FAIR teleportation system just for new players, allowing them to explore the world and check out all the cities they are interested in, until they decide to join one.

2. Tie the city member limit to the number of chunks, with a maximum of 50 players. This would fit well with the "evolution" system of cities (Village, Megalopolis, Conurbation, etc.), preventing cities with only 5 chunks from being considered "giant" just because they have enough players.

3. Establish a daily or weekly limit for recruiting players WHO JUST LOGGED IN FOR THE FIRST TIME. The first time login condition is important so as not to interfere with experienced players moving between cities in preparation for sieges.

EXTRA SUGGESTION: Remove the recruit bonus. I understand that this reward is meant to encourage other cities to welcome new players, but many mayors are abusing it and using it as their primary means of earning money. Believe me, new players will be invited to MANY cities, regardless of whether the bonus exists.

Keep in mind that these are just my personal suggestions, and new ideas may arise from them. I am open to discussing new perspectives and possibilities.