I can understand both side. I usually play on my laptop with solid net connection, and if it rarely fails I always can pick up my phone, and continue playing. However I understand, that others have different circumstances.
But having to wait for the clock (often in an obviously winning situation), is very annoying.
To change this system needs a lot of work, and the developers have to deal with people how against the new system and so on. I think implementing a reputation system something like
@hash11011 mentioned would be very difficult, but could improve the site and could give a better experience. I am a teacher also and thinking in education. I think there is a lot of kids here (and some childish adult) who need education. They need to learn respectful playing, and some kids can learn from "punishment" or regulation and let's give a shiny star to users who behaves well.
I like people looking for solutions, not "you can't do it better because of this or that". I think lichess is awesome, and I am also with people, who think lichess could handle this problem better, and I also believe that a reputation system could be the solution. So I also write down my thoughts about a reputation system, waiting for comments, and maybe if we can figure out a really better, applicable system they more likely consider implementing it.
Let's give every user a reputation number. for example 0-100 (new users start with a lower value) this number increments over time/by playing games, considering only let's say last 300 game.
- The lower the opponent's rep the less you must wait if they leaves/disconnects
- Filter out users with "bad" reputation from tournaments.
- Give ability to user to filter out users by reputation on the lobby and when creating game. (let's say max applicable rep is own rep-5%)
What could drop reputation
- If a player leaves a game
- If a player leaves a game in a loosing position ("loosing position" considering the player's rating)
- If a player moves very-very slowly in a loosing position
- If a user is blocked by too many other users (with better rep?) (I usually block players with bad manner)
The lower the rep the bigger the minus
If devs implemented something like this I'd even pay for it, not because I need it so badly, I can deal with the current system, it's ok, but I loved to see such an improvement.
What do you think?