use layering as server merges. let people pick a realm that shares all character names. there can’t be 2 of the same names on a realm.
then let people pick a layer which has the normal server size. cannot ever change layers.
if your layer has a queue, it has a queue and prevents character creation. when a layer gets too underpopulated, merge it with another layer on that realm forever.
no character phasing, no layerhopping abuse, if your layer gets dead it gets merged, if your layer doesn’t die it will always have the same community it started with