We already do #1 for other rounds.
For playground-draft rounds though, I agree with #1. In retrospect, we should have reversed our process. The downside is, if voted upon, it would require more time if signups are delayed.
#2 is trickier. We’ve done what you’ve suggested before and it causes other problems with players who don’t want new features. It’s the usual “you can’t please everybody” problem.
We are planning to overhaul this entire process though. What we have right now is neither ideal for players nor sustainable for staff.