Well I read thru this old thread and must say I'm surprised by some of the problems some have faced over the issues and even more perplexed by some of the responses.

Always at the 3 clubs I've been priviledged to be a member at if you occupied a bench it was yours until you left for the day. Naturally you might let someone in on it while you took a break but they knew not to occupy it; just get started and then clear off. Once you are thru for the day you also will graciously clear the bench even if you then hang around for awhile longer.

If all benches are taken by the time you are ready to set up you just find a spot in the pit area and set up on the ground or wait around for a bench to possibly clear.

But I've never seen anyone cause a fuss over this and would be tempted to leave a club that had the problem since it means too many folks are in the air at the same time anyway. For me this would be no more than 3 at one time and preferably only 2 at one club and the other a max of 4 with still preferably only 2.

Regards,

Clay