Firstly, we are in agreement - the sole purpose of merc mode was indeed to create lower waiting queues - and we also agree that this has been met.
Secondly, no, I most definitely do not think I am the first to suggest this, and I will also not be the last. Furthermore, I do not believe there will be a change in this - it is not in the interest of Warmane. Facing more premades generates a natural feeling of "I need to BUY better gear to stand a better chance" - and this creates revenue. It would be dilusional to expect the growth in pressure of facing more premades from alliance side to be reduced. Still, one can dream, no? :D
Thirdly, I've already posted: it's not that I can't join or do a premade - Nothing holds me, or anyone else from doing so. It's more of the fact that I enjoy the "oldschool" BG environment, where premades were scarce, and BG's rarely felt like an extremely competitive game-mode. The whole thing had a more casual feel to it, and that is what I enjoy.