1) When you join arena with mage, distribute the food automatically into player bags (this already works on Blackrock WOTLK). You might also just put the mage table there as a temporary summoned gameobject with despawn timer instead.
This way ppl dont have to waste time crafting food for 30 seconds every game. Same for mana gems/healthstones.
2) Make all casts instant within arena prep duration - this way warlocks dont have to summon pets for 50 seconds every game.
if you apply it to onyxia please make sure people cannot instantly craft profession items inside prep phase to power level professions this way without casting time.