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On The RVS
Part of Mastin Academy.
Nobody likes the Random Voting Stage, but in daystart games, there's no way to begin with content. Heck, even most night-start games (rare as they currently are) feature an RVS; pretty much the only games lacking one are games where there was a mechanism allowing for content discussion immediately.
The reason why we use the RVS over alternatives is that no alternative has proven superior in generating content. The RQS, for instance, ultimately proved to favor scum over town, while failing to get the game started any sooner. There have been games where players have suggested skipping the RVS and generating content immediately--but in the process of discussing generating content, they took just as long or longer to get actual content compared to RVS methodology.
Simply put, the RVS isn't an ideal method at getting what we want (content ASAP)--it's just the best available option. Using it, a game can exit the RVS potentially before the end of page one. It typically lasts only a couple of pages and is usually finished within 48 hours of the game's start regardless of length. It is the method easiest to generate content quickly, and also typically the method which has the greatest fun factor. You can make jokes that don't otherwise fit into the game, you can have in-jokes that reference previously-played games, you can basically do your own thing.
Thus, the strong hold in games. That doesn't mean we like it. I have fun in it, but I still hate it. The RVS is awkward, and while it's possible to get reads immediately, accuracy is obviously skewed. This doesn't mean you are powerless. For instance, while pure RQS may benefit scum, you can ask questions as part of the RVS that benefit exiting; you may also cast votes which are semi-serious, discussing things and generating content in a lighthearted manner.
Still, the RVS is a necessary evil of games, because there's no method to avert an icebreaker; the RVS is our best-available conversation-starter. There is no way to rid yourself of it as a player. All you can do is make the most of the situation you have been handed.
HOWEVER, on the modding side of things, you CAN influence this. Simply introduce a mechanic that changes early-game dynamics, and instantly the RVS is almost assuredly gone.
Play around. Experiment. See what mechanics work and what don't. (For instance, one mechanic that might help is giving votes far more power than normal, thus, making players more cautious to simply throw them out.) Ultimately, your efforts will merely put a dent in the dominance of the RVS. But it's something that's different, something that's fun, which can set the bar high for other mods to aspire to accomplish, that breaking of the norm, of the RVS.