To introduce this discussion, put yourself in the frame of reference of the TF2 spectator - or potential spectator. For every match, especially the even ones, we're asking people to give up to an hour of their time to watch TF2 - an hour that they could be watching their favorite TV show or something else. This is one stumbling block on the path to TF2 receiving wider viewership - probably not the only one, but a major one.
I think I'd like to help sponsor some kind of test tournament of 3-CP maps. What I mean by that is maps like Badlands with either the last points or the spires shaved off. Alternatively, someone could come up with an entirely custom 3-CP map that works well.
Main considerations are balanced spawn times and the ability to defend last after wiping at mid - without last points being massive turtlefests that last terribly long. I think the maps should also still focus on the necessity of mobility to promote the classes you guys like to play most - make sure there's ample room for scouts to flank without making them too powerful, for instance.
As a caster, I think my viewers will be much more willing to come watch TF2 matches when they don't last as long as an hour. If the MAXIMUM map time were 30 minutes, and the score limit something like 3 or 4, that could make for matches that are shorter but still just as "close" and exciting as the hour-long ESEA standards.
I would like to gather feedback about this idea now, so I can have a solid idea to put forth to eXtv and a group like TF2maps. It'd be great to do a map competition similar to STAR's KOTH contest.
The main question is: what are your thoughts on how it'd be to actually PLAY a competitive 3-CP map with a 30-minute max time and a 3-point max score?