I'd really like to see something like a 2 minute planting timer put on the totem, during which time the tribal leader can't move and needs to be defended by his guild. That would need to go hand in hand with something like a 2.5 minute long respawn timer (just for the day one land rush) so that people don't ghost in and pop to stab the leader in the back as soon as they become visible.
Then just allow the normal day one land rush on a first come first served basis. All they need to do to make that fair is announce a date and a reasonable time. Something like7 or 8 PM Est so that east and west coast players all have a chance to be home from work and participate.
I'm not sure what solution OP is offering.
Is there a better way?
Or are we just pointing out the negative of every scenario?
I personally think the original scheme was good, with the chaotic land rush & fighting along the way.
However, I also really like xenoclix idea of having a 1 minute + action timer to place the totem.
I have edited the OP to add solutions proposed in this thread & will update periodically.
It all comes down to who can get on the fastest when actual totems can be placed - no matter when you have the actual placement take place or how you implement this someone will probably lose a spot they wanted. Heck the internet could go down for some reason in part of the world, someone will lose a spot. Your tribal leader could get distracted by naked pizza delivery man/woman just at the wrong moment, someone will lose a spot. Stuff happens - let's not worry about it anymore and just do it and START PLAYING FOR REAL.