Does no one ever queue for normal dungeons?

OrbitStorm

Nestor wrote: »

Something tells me you have not tried to find a guild yet. Most guilds are not full of hardcore lets clear this as fast as possible type of players. The ones that are, are very clear about that upfront, avoid them. Find a nice guild that has people you like to hang out with and finding groups does not take that long. Or, you can sit on the sidelines and complain.

As a "community ambassador", I'd expect you to have an understanding for the pretense of a dungeon group finder. Its limitations or drawbacks, whether that be a design flaw or community makeup, should not be my problem. It's on ZOS to ensure that the system functions as it should and waiting hours upon hours to find a random group for a normal dungeon is not functional by any stretch of the imagination. I should not feel obligated to find a guild to do something the dungeon finder was designed to do for me: find a dungeon group.

I know this seems combative and snarky but when you patronize me with "sit on the sidelines and complain", you're going to get a likeminded response.

altemriel

Jayman1000 wrote: »

I wait for hours to get into normal dungeons, but veteran usually comes fast, as in a few minutes up to 20 minutes. But normal usually take at least 30 minutes, if not an hour. What is going on here? Im not quite ready for veteran yet, but I don't think I have any choice if I actually want to play dungeons...? Well I could join a guild (but I don't have the interest in that at the moment) or respec as tank or healer and I would guess that I could get in fast with normal too. But as DPS if I want to play dungeons I have to select vet.

EDIT: and then when I finally joins one there's a cp660 player that just nukes the frog out of everything in no time while running super fast at the same time; I can't even run fast enough to get to participate in the battle before it's over, let alone take and complete quests. Then people leave the dungeon so fast the game removes me from it before the quest giver has even got half way through their quest complete speech.... on vet I at least get to experience the battles as they were meant to, and get to try to use my abilities lol (why does the game remove you from the dungeon anyway when you are the only one left in it? I really don't understand that game mechanic?)

this one totally understands what you are writting, khajiit she is also only casually in Tamriel, so vet dungeons, she usually dies more times there. khajiit usually does the normal ones, it depends, sometimes she gets into group in 10 minutes, the other time it takes 40 minutes or even more. khajiit found out that the best thing to do is to join some bigger guilds (those that have at least 400 members) and make dungeon friends there.
khajiit usually does it like this: go to undaunted enclave, check out the pledges, then runs the LFG tool, then writes to zone chat about LFG, and then also to all 5 guilds that khajiit is member of. if it is too long waiting, then khajiit goes to farm some public dungeons or dolmens, while the LFG tool is searching for group for her.

with hope for LFG
Maoimii

Nestor

OrbitStorm wrote: »

As a "community ambassador", I'd expect you to have an understanding for the pretense of a dungeon group finder. Its limitations or drawbacks, whether that be a design flaw or community makeup, should not be my problem. It's on ZOS to ensure that the system functions as it should and waiting hours upon hours to find a random group for a normal dungeon is not functional by any stretch of the imagination. I should not feel obligated to find a guild to do something the dungeon finder was designed to do for me: find a dungeon group.

I know this seems combative and snarky but when you patronize me with "sit on the sidelines and complain", you're going to get a likeminded response.

So, you want me to remove half the DPS players from the game so the dungeon finder has a better chance of giving you a dungeon? Sorry, there is nothing ZOS can do about the population and the roles that people choose to play. You already know the answer to that, you said it your self, become a Healer or Tank. I have sat in the que myself on my DPS Alts, sometimes for hours, although I remove myself typically after 15 minutes. I don't come on the boards and complain about it, because I know the answer, the game is flooded with players who only want to do DPS. So, set your self apart and learn a new role, besides, Tanking and Healing are a lot more fun than DPS.

You don't want to find a guild or put any effort into finding a dungeon to run other than clicking a couple of buttons and having magic happen. Well, that is not going to eliminate the issue, 90% of the players being DPS. Suggest a way to fix this if you know the answer. ZOS, and any game developer with group content and roles has the same problem, more DPS than they need, and less Tanks and Heals than they want.

Sugar coating the answer does not change the answer. You want the dungeon finder to work for you, learn a role the dungeon finder needs. You want to do DPS, then find alternatives to forming a group, which has been spelled out for you. I am sorry you don't like the answer that says put some effort into it.

disintegr8

I only run dungeons when leveling up new characters through the undaunted skill line, so will always select specific dungeons in group finder and will never run a random dungeon (sick of random dungeons putting you in DLC dungeons with people who aren't ready for them). I always pair with a friend first, each doing a different role, to ensure we aren't waiting for ever.

Group finder performs a function that no longer meets the needs a lot of the time and as it is the only dungeon grouping tool we have, everyone has to use it regardless of why they want to run the dungeon.

A CP660 player farming for gear or wanting to quickly complete the Undaunted daily is not really compatible with a newer player at level 23 who is running a dungeon for the first time, maybe still learning their role and wanting to learn the dungeon mechanics, loot chests and find heavy sacks.

The CP660 might do insane damage and think the level 23 player would just be grateful for the 'carry' whereas the level 23 player doesn't get the chance to do anything or learn anything. If the level 23 is doing the dungeon quest, they struggle to talk to NPC's because people are racing ahead and sometimes don't even finish the quest because everyone leaves the group.

Each has a right to be there, each has the right to use group finder and neither is any more or less entitled to use group finder than the other. Each can argue that the other should find a guild or get their own group but neither has more right to use group finder than the other.

Jayman1000

disintegr8 wrote: »

Group finder performs a function that no longer meets the needs a lot of the time and as it is the only dungeon grouping tool we have, everyone has to use it regardless of why they want to run the dungeon.

A CP660 player farming for gear or wanting to quickly complete the Undaunted daily is not really compatible with a newer player at level 23 who is running a dungeon for the first time, maybe still learning their role and wanting to learn the dungeon mechanics, loot chests and find heavy sacks.

The CP660 might do insane damage and think the level 23 player would just be grateful for the 'carry' whereas the level 23 player doesn't get the chance to do anything or learn anything. If the level 23 is doing the dungeon quest, they struggle to talk to NPC's because people are racing ahead and sometimes don't even finish the quest because everyone leaves the group.

Each has a right to be there, each has the right to use group finder and neither is any more or less entitled to use group finder than the other. Each can argue that the other should find a guild or get their own group but neither has more right to use group finder than the other.

Yes, you bring forth of some very relevant points here, the dungeon finder could do with an overhaul to implement some more options to specify what group type one might prefer like you suggest here. It shouldn't exclude anyone, just seek to group like minded individuals first.

OrbitStorm

Nestor wrote: »

So, you want me to remove half the DPS players from the game so the dungeon finder has a better chance of giving you a dungeon? Sorry, there is nothing ZOS can do about the population and the roles that people choose to play. You already know the answer to that, you said it your self, become a Healer or Tank. I have sat in the que myself on my DPS Alts, sometimes for hours, although I remove myself typically after 15 minutes. I don't come on the boards and complain about it, because I know the answer, the game is flooded with players who only want to do DPS. So, set your self apart and learn a new role, besides, Tanking and Healing are a lot more fun than DPS.

You don't want to find a guild or put any effort into finding a dungeon to run other than clicking a couple of buttons and having magic happen. Well, that is not going to eliminate the issue, 90% of the players being DPS. Suggest a way to fix this if you know the answer. ZOS, and any game developer with group content and roles has the same problem, more DPS than they need, and less Tanks and Heals than they want.

Sugar coating the answer does not change the answer. You want the dungeon finder to work for you, learn a role the dungeon finder needs. You want to do DPS, then find alternatives to forming a group, which has been spelled out for you. I am sorry you don't like the answer that says put some effort into it.

I feel like you're just floating numbers out there to sound more informed than you really are. Do you have any metrics that substantiate this "90%" claim? Doubtful.

I don't expect you personally to do anything other than being reciprocal of another user's opinion on an open forum, whether you empathize or not, instead of being condescending and self-righteous. FWIW, you can take solace in ZOS's efforts in new player retention being par for course with your abilities as a "community ambassador", which is to say, lacking. Telling me that it's my fault that I can't find a random group with a tool designed to do just that is a whole other level of douchebaggery.

Here's an idea: timewalking -- Blizzard's answer to clogged or empty queues in early-game. It's worked magnificently over the years and has been a huge hit with veteran players. There are quite literally thousands of articles, musings, "studies", and player-submitted ideas dedicated to this very issue throughout the gaming community.

At the risk of sounding redundant, don't fault me for ZOS's lack of effort in maintaining their game and doing their part to prevent the new player experience from deteriorating.

You need some serious work on your bedside manners before I take your flashy title seriously.

Jayman1000

OrbitStorm wrote: »

No, no other MMO is quite as hung up on awful queues as ESO is. Closest comparison would be WoW and their queues don't last half a day for DPS, sorry to inform you.

This could have to do with Wows still high million population across all same-type realms and that their group finder does cross realm grouping. Correct me if Im wrong, but ESO is restricted to the EU megaserver grouping only with EU megaserver players; same with the US server, right? There may simply just be too few ESO players in ESO on each server to support a consistent experience unless you regroup as healer or tank, especially for normal dungeons?

Here's an idea: timewalking -- Blizzard's answer to clogged or empty queues in early-game.

EDIT: timewalking, yes that is an awesome idea. For some reason I completely forgot about that one. Eso already does alot of "going back in time" stuff (often through watching/talking to ghostly figures) so I don't see why a similar feature for ESO could not be awesome and work.

OrbitStorm

Jayman1000 wrote: »

OrbitStorm wrote: »

No, no other MMO is quite as hung up on awful queues as ESO is. Closest comparison would be WoW and their queues don't last half a day for DPS, sorry to inform you.

This could have to do with Wows still high million population across all same-type realms and that their group finder does cross realm grouping. Correct me if Im wrong, but ESO is restricted to the EU megaserver grouping only with EU megaserver players; same with the US server, right? There may simply just be too few ESO players in ESO on each server to support a consistent experience unless you regroup as healer or tank, especially for normal dungeons?

Cross-realm does not span regions. US players are region-locked to US servers via cross-realm, same as EU players only cross-realm with other EU players.

There are no official numbers for ESO, that I'm aware of, but it's evident that the reason WoW continues to have sustained success is because Blizzard is second to none. ZOS just doesn't appear to give a damn if they're even on the list.

jaws343

OrbitStorm wrote: »

Nestor wrote: »

So, you want me to remove half the DPS players from the game so the dungeon finder has a better chance of giving you a dungeon? Sorry, there is nothing ZOS can do about the population and the roles that people choose to play. You already know the answer to that, you said it your self, become a Healer or Tank. I have sat in the que myself on my DPS Alts, sometimes for hours, although I remove myself typically after 15 minutes. I don't come on the boards and complain about it, because I know the answer, the game is flooded with players who only want to do DPS. So, set your self apart and learn a new role, besides, Tanking and Healing are a lot more fun than DPS.

You don't want to find a guild or put any effort into finding a dungeon to run other than clicking a couple of buttons and having magic happen. Well, that is not going to eliminate the issue, 90% of the players being DPS. Suggest a way to fix this if you know the answer. ZOS, and any game developer with group content and roles has the same problem, more DPS than they need, and less Tanks and Heals than they want.

Sugar coating the answer does not change the answer. You want the dungeon finder to work for you, learn a role the dungeon finder needs. You want to do DPS, then find alternatives to forming a group, which has been spelled out for you. I am sorry you don't like the answer that says put some effort into it.

I feel like you're just floating numbers out there to sound more informed than you really are. Do you have any metrics that substantiate this "90%" claim? Doubtful.

Honestly, even if it isn't 90%, I have a hard time believing that you truly think the number of Healers, Tanks, and DDs in queues are equal. Most people play DDs. That is fairly universal. Simple math will inform you that a queue for a DD will always take longer than a queue for a tank or healer. There isn't anything ZOS can do about that. Again simple math. If you have 10 tanks, 10 healers, and 60 DDs in a queue, 40 DD's will be waiting around for a group and if any of the group finder formed groups decide to stick together and finish pledges or farm a dungeon, you now have 1 less tank and 1 less healer added to the queue for the overwhelming amount of DDs to pair with.

OrbitStorm

jaws343 wrote: »

Honestly, even if it isn't 90%, I have a hard time believing that you truly think the number of Healers, Tanks, and DDs in queues are equal. Most people play DDs. That is fairly universal. Simple math will inform you that a queue for a DD will always take longer than a queue for a tank or healer. There isn't anything ZOS can do about that. Again simple math. If you have 10 tanks, 10 healers, and 60 DDs in a queue, 40 DD's will be waiting around for a group and if any of the group finder formed groups decide to stick together and finish pledges or farm a dungeon, you now have 1 less tank and 1 less healer added to the queue for the overwhelming amount of DDs to pair with.

I haven't disagreed that there is an imbalance, I just don't agree that it's as disastrous as "90%" or beyond resolution.

Jayman1000

OrbitStorm wrote: »

There are no official numbers for ESO, that I'm aware of, but it's evident that the reason WoW continues to have sustained success is because Blizzard is second to none. ZOS just doesn't appear to give a damn if they're even on the list.

True, it's amazing that wow is still alive and kicking after all this time. I love ESO, it does alot of stuff that makes it unique and interesting; but it's true that ZoS seems oblivious to better the game in some aspects.

Jayman1000

jaws343 wrote: »

Simple math will inform you that a queue for a DD will always take longer than a queue for a tank or healer. There isn't anything ZOS can do about that. Again simple math.

This giving up attitude is a bit sad; it seems to reflect the stance that ZoS seems to be taking Orbitstorm gave some examples on how it could be improved, mentioning the timewalking feature from WoW. Im sure they could also implement other interesting features and enhancements to dungeoneering and grouping. But it seems they are unwilling to do so, perhaps with the same perspective as you that "can't do anything about it".

jaws343

OrbitStorm wrote: »

jaws343 wrote: »

Honestly, even if it isn't 90%, I have a hard time believing that you truly think the number of Healers, Tanks, and DDs in queues are equal. Most people play DDs. That is fairly universal. Simple math will inform you that a queue for a DD will always take longer than a queue for a tank or healer. There isn't anything ZOS can do about that. Again simple math. If you have 10 tanks, 10 healers, and 60 DDs in a queue, 40 DD's will be waiting around for a group and if any of the group finder formed groups decide to stick together and finish pledges or farm a dungeon, you now have 1 less tank and 1 less healer added to the queue for the overwhelming amount of DDs to pair with.

I haven't disagreed that there is an imbalance, I just don't agree that it's as disastrous as "90%" or beyond resolution.

I wouldn't be surprised if it were that bad. How many tanks or healer avoid the grouping tool altogether because of getting paired with awful dds or getting matched to a broken group that couldn't keep their original tank or healer. If you think not getting a group is bad, try not being able to complete a normal random dungeon on a tank because the dps in your group can't do enough to kill anything.

OrbitStorm

Jayman1000 wrote: »

True, it's amazing that wow is still alive and kicking after all this time. I love ESO, it does alot of stuff that makes it unique and interesting; but it's true that ZoS seems oblivious to better the game in some aspects.

Agreed. ESO has its own charm and does a lot of good things otherwise, I wouldn't be playing it at all. I'm just firm in my belief that ZOS hasn't put much effort into bettering the new player experience, and is instead more concerned with wordplay between DLC and "chapter". It's shady practices like that, and general incompetence in some areas, that prevents this game from being a top MMO.

While I'll obviously be joining dungeon groups by way of guilds (I'm not going to forego normal dungeons just because of a design flaw), I shouldn't feel obligated to do so nor should I feel as though my sentiments are irrelevant and unworthy of being posted on this board, as Nestor has implied.

That being said, thank you for the level-headed responses.

Nestor

Jayman1000 wrote: »

This giving up attitude is a bit sad; it seems to reflect the stance that ZoS seems to be taking Orbitstorm gave some examples on how it could be improved, mentioning the timewalking feature from WoW. Im sure they could also implement other interesting features and enhancements to dungeoneering and grouping. But it seems they are unwilling to do so, perhaps with the same perspective as you that "can't do anything about it".

Timewalking just scales everyone to the same level so lower level players can run with higher levels. This is not leveled game, so that does not apply here. Besides, being a scaled game, we all get to play together anyway. Still will not help with the lack of Tanks and Healers in this game as compared to DPS.

Unless ZOS changes the fundamental combat in this game, most everyone is going to prefer DPS as a role. That is the reason the Dungeon Finder has issues getting a group formed.

Until then, if that happens, the two suggestions to learn how to Heal or Tank or find a guild or a group of friends to run dungeons with are your best alternatives.

OrbitStorm

Nestor wrote: »

Timewalking just scales everyone to the same level so lower level players can run with higher levels. This is not leveled game, so that does not apply here. Besides, being a scaled game, we all get to play together anyway. Still will not help with the lack of Tanks and Healers in this game as compared to DPS.

Unless ZOS changes the fundamental combat in this game, most everyone is going to prefer DPS as a role. That is the reason the Dungeon Finder has issues getting a group formed.

Until then, if that happens, the two suggestions to learn how to Heal or Tank or find a guild or a group of friends to run dungeons with are your best alternatives.

You're missing the context of the feature: it gives high-level players an incentive to participate in low-level dungeons. I imagine you'll miss the context on that as well and say something along the lines of "dungeons in ESO aren't level-specific" and you're absolutely correct, they function similar to the Heroics system in WoW. However, if ZOS gives high-level players an incentive to participate in normal dungeons, the pool of available players for random queues would grow exponentially.

I'm not your average player, I've been working in this industry for the better part of the last decade, but I'm still a player nonetheless. If I can put together an idea for combating this problem, why can't ZOS? There's really no excuse and you towing the company line on the forums and treating dissenting opinion with disdain and general apathy doesn't change that.

Nestor

OrbitStorm wrote: »

if ZOS gives high-level players an incentive to participate in normal dungeons, the pool of available players for random queues would grow exponentially.

There is 100K of Exp given to people who do Random Normals, which is the same 100K as Random Vets. The same Rewards email is sent with the same 3 types of items, all purple to anyone who runs a random with a normal or vet. That is all I run with my Alts. So the incentive is there and it's working. ZOS could double rewards in the dungeon, or give Purple jewelry drops. But is that the right answer, as messing with Loot can have other issues. Who knows.

Still does not help the population imbalance with regards to DDs and Healers/Tanks, the underlying core problem with the Dungeon Finder. I have not seen a solution on that. From anyone, that is why I was asking you.

However it sounds like they are thinking about doing something with Class skills to create a Tank, Damage and Heal tree. Not sure about that, I like those things peppered about the Classes so I can customize my build. If they get rid of the Role requirement as everyone can do each role then it could work to make groups. But, roles are still roles, and DPS should be squishy to an extent and Tanks do their thing while healer keeps people alive. Then dungeons are fun. 4 DPSing a dungeon is boring.

Group finder is not what is broken, as I get a group in a minute or less for my Tank and about a minute for Healing. Most evenings/weekends, I get a group in 5 to 10 minutes or so for my DPS. Except mornings, those tend to be slow for DPS. So, groups are being formed, sometimes, as people decline. There are many reasons for that happening.

Its not the Group Finder, its the game, at least dungeon content. My suggestion is make the mechanics demand the 3 roles be there doing their role. I don't know if that is the right answer either. Will less run them because they are harder?

ZOS needs to change the game to encourage people to Tank and Heal, then the group finder will have something to work. That is the real issue, and the thing that really needs to be discussed. Oh, and the group finder, needs some changes. Like a No DLC Option for starts, and an option to not be a replacement for a lost member of a group mid dungeon.

And, its toeing, not towing. I am not pulling anything any where.

Thunderknuckles

OrbitStorm wrote: »

Jayman1000 wrote: »

OrbitStorm wrote: »

No, no other MMO is quite as hung up on awful queues as ESO is. Closest comparison would be WoW and their queues don't last half a day for DPS, sorry to inform you.

This could have to do with Wows still high million population across all same-type realms and that their group finder does cross realm grouping. Correct me if Im wrong, but ESO is restricted to the EU megaserver grouping only with EU megaserver players; same with the US server, right? There may simply just be too few ESO players in ESO on each server to support a consistent experience unless you regroup as healer or tank, especially for normal dungeons?

Cross-realm does not span regions. US players are region-locked to US servers via cross-realm, same as EU players only cross-realm with other EU players.

There are no official numbers for ESO, that I'm aware of, but it's evident that the reason WoW continues to have sustained success is because Blizzard is second to none. ZOS just doesn't appear to give a damn if they're even on the list.

Let's be fair, Orbit. A primary reason for WoW's continued success is that the game will run even on a TRS-80 or Apple II. ESO, like some other MMO's, takes a much more powerful system to flow smoothly. WoW...again, the most base model comp will run it.

OrbitStorm

Nestor wrote: »

You mean the 100K of Exp given to people who do Random Normals, which is the same 100K as Random Vets? The same Rewards email is sent with the same 3 types of items, all purple to anyone who runs a random with a normal or vet. That is all I run with my Alts. So the incentive is there and it's working. Or, should ZOS double the rewards given to Vets who run Non Vet dungeons?

Yes, ZOS should consider weighting rewards toward Veteran players for running random normals given that there clearly aren't that many new players running said random normals. Complacency breeds mediocrity.

Nestor wrote: »

And, its toeing, not towing. I am not pulling anything any where.

I find it odd that someone in your position would devolve into petty nitpicking of typos when the majority of your responses have been laden with run-ons, improper punctuation, and malapropism. How's that for stroking intellectual e-peens?

OrbitStorm

Thunderknuckles wrote: »

Let's be fair, Orbit. A primary reason for WoW's continued success is that the game will run even on a TRS-80 or Apple II. ESO, like some other MMO's, takes a much more powerful system to flow smoothly. WoW...again, the most base model comp will run it.

I beg to differ. This whole "WoW runs on a toaster" shtick is both ignorant and an excuse for lousy optimization.

Back to your original point, my wife has an old Toshiba laptop from 2010 that she clings to as a memento and it's entirely incapable of running WoW but reasonably capable of running the Java-based edition of Minecraft. A 2.2 GHz Dual Core processor, Radeon HD 4200 IGP, and 4 gigs of DDR2 system memory is the very definition of "toaster".

Thunderknuckles

OrbitStorm wrote: »

Thunderknuckles wrote: »

Let's be fair, Orbit. A primary reason for WoW's continued success is that the game will run even on a TRS-80 or Apple II. ESO, like some other MMO's, takes a much more powerful system to flow smoothly. WoW...again, the most base model comp will run it.

I beg to differ. This whole "WoW runs on a toaster" shtick is both ignorant and an excuse for lousy optimization.

Back to your original point, my wife has an old Toshiba laptop from 2010 that she clings to as a memento and it's entirely incapable of running WoW but reasonably capable of running the Java-based edition of Minecraft. A 2.2 GHz Dual Core processor, Radeon HD 4200 IGP, and 4 gigs of DDR2 system memory is the very definition of "toaster".

You need to lighten up, Orbit. Obviously I was exaggerating for effect when I said it could run on a TRS-80. It is a fact, however, that WoW will run a MUCH broader range of systems than other MMO's and this makes it accessible to a much broader audience. Back to the point of the thread and the DF queue taking so long for normal dungeons. There's no debating that there are many, many, many times more dps than tanks and healers and therefore the gargantuan wait times in queue if you're on a DD. I don't personally know what ZoS can do to change that as that is all player choice. Unless they take out the need for tanks and healers.

jaws343

OrbitStorm wrote: »

Nestor wrote: »

You mean the 100K of Exp given to people who do Random Normals, which is the same 100K as Random Vets? The same Rewards email is sent with the same 3 types of items, all purple to anyone who runs a random with a normal or vet. That is all I run with my Alts. So the incentive is there and it's working. Or, should ZOS double the rewards given to Vets who run Non Vet dungeons?

Yes, ZOS should consider weighting rewards toward Veteran players for running random normals given that there clearly aren't that many new players running said random normals. Complacency breeds mediocrity.

I think you are really missing the point here. The reason normal dungeons take so long to queue compared to vet is because there are more players in the normal queue. It isn't because noone is queuing. If anything, too many dps are queued. Vet dungeon queues go quicker because less players are waiting in line to play. And normal dungeons have a greater reward to play than Vet, especially doing the random. Unless you are doing the pledges and want extra keys or need a bunch of helms or running a jewelry farm, vet is pointless. Normal is easier and less of a hassle with a PUG. If anything, vet dungeons through the finder need a greater incentive. Maybe then the normal queues will get somewhat quicker. Either way, it will still take longer to queue as dps.

And a solution does exist to even the amount of healers, tanks and dps in the queue. DPS who complain about long queues should switch to a different character and queue with a different role. The more tanks and healers in the queue the better for everyone.

zaria

Jayman1000 wrote: »

OrbitStorm wrote: »

No, no other MMO is quite as hung up on awful queues as ESO is. Closest comparison would be WoW and their queues don't last half a day for DPS, sorry to inform you.

This could have to do with Wows still high million population across all same-type realms and that their group finder does cross realm grouping. Correct me if Im wrong, but ESO is restricted to the EU megaserver grouping only with EU megaserver players; same with the US server, right? There may simply just be too few ESO players in ESO on each server to support a consistent experience unless you regroup as healer or tank, especially for normal dungeons?

Here's an idea: timewalking -- Blizzard's answer to clogged or empty queues in early-game.

EDIT: timewalking, yes that is an awesome idea. For some reason I completely forgot about that one. Eso already does alot of "going back in time" stuff (often through watching/talking to ghostly figures) so I don't see why a similar feature for ESO could not be awesome and work.

Timewalking is not relevant in ESO because of scaling, lots of high cp players to normal dungeons, don't want to pug vet or do harder vet dungeons, farming gear, doing quest on alts wanting to do an quick random for xp without risking to get the harder vet dungeons.

WOW has two benefits first is 1 more DD in group second is that you can have two builds and switch between them making it easier to set up an healer or tank build without compromising your DD setup.
Probably also more long term players who has multiple alts and builds.