[wagonboy]

One way someone could try and solve the issue on waiting for the "late" people is this. We are all laddered. You know who you are racing before the call is made to the lanes. If racing a "late" person bothers you, try this.

Sometime before the round, make your way to the pit spot of your competitor. Have a nice shiny quarter ready and ask if they would like to flip a coin. However, ask them if they would be willing to flip for time, instead of lane. Or maybe even both.

Say " lets flip for when we go up, I win the coin toss, we go when I am ready- I loose the toss, we go up when you are ready".

Its fair, and it does not have to have Big Brother change the rules for everyone.
I would be interested in knowing who would say no to this type of coin flip. Are they a true sportsman or just have to have their way no matter what.

Another idea would be to have the last 5 winners of the round be in the first 5 pair the following round.