Not sure if I would support a one-time ticket based system. I think if the opportunity presents itself, players should have the chance to enter a host room twice regardless of the length of the queue. There have been times I've only been able to make it to one event during the week, so I do my best to get in twice to have a better chance at the prize. Limiting players to entering an event only once would cause a lot of friction imho.
The multiple instances idea sounds neat, but complicated. To be honest, I don't exactly know how room-building works on the staff end. My assumption is that they would have to duplicate a room manually. I think that's asking too much of them, as building even one room can become an incredibly time-intensive activity. Having multiple instances would also require more staff to be available so several games could run simultaneously. It might be one of those things that's easier said than done!
Staff have implemented multiple instances during events like BTS, but because of the nature of POTC and HM, these games will require a lot of time to run. The queues ultimately become incredibly long. I think it would be great if staff could implement a kind of "raffle" for BTS. For example, staff make a poll on twitter figuring out the best time for BTS. Then, they open a google poll and have players submit their names for a chance to participate. Then, 30 players from that list get chosen and are guaranteed a slot to play. There wouldn't be a queue, and the chosen players would get pulled into a special instance to play POTC or HM during that time. As a bonus, they could allow the players who win the raffle to pull in a friend to have on their team! There hasn't been BTS in a while, but this kind of system might eliminate the issues with the queues!
With regards to extending event times, it would be exhausting for the hosts (depending on the event). For instance, dreams events take two hours, but at least staff can take a mini break between groups. On the other hand, "game" events require a staff's full attention. Instead of increasing times, maybe there should just be more events on the calendar with a more diverse set of times. I especially think
@HOST_Morph does a great job of hosting morning events -- the queues are often very short and the games are quick and easy to learn upon entering the room!
With the inflation of the host prize prices, I think it comes down to demand and difficulty of the event. The Enchanted fountain was a prize that was available for one week and is worth ~100k now. It's a beautiful animated piece of furniture, but I don't remember the chances of winning -- they must have been more difficult to win(?). On the other hand, there were ample opportunities to win a valentine's sweater in February and they're worth less than 10k now. It's a complicated thing that varies every month.
I hope some of my comments weren't even more discouraging -- I can tell you're frustrated. But I hope staff reads all of this and considers all the feedback!