Yes, it's annoying as hell isn't it?
I Hear you drone and understand. It's hard to believe that we have players like that. Disbelief is why we've given them other chances to play on our teams before we learn our lesson.
Also, it's true that sometimes an unforeseen thing happens that keeps someone from finishing their spins, like having their internet go down, computers not working, personal emergency and the like. In such cases the team leader cannot be contacted. The team captains and crew can understand and accept this. (by the way, players should contact the team captain why they are/were unable to finish their spins if they want to keep their reputations as good team mates.)
With the case of the player that never intends to finish their spins thinking they can just let the rest of the team carry them to a possible team win...
Ultimately, it is still up to the team Captain to figure out who these non-spinners are and not to accept these flaky players in the first place.
If the leader has accepted them, I think that they may still have time to delete them- provided the flaky player hasn't started spinning. There is a delete link above a player's oniontar on the team's page.
It's a judgement call for the team leader. There are only one or two players who are so irresponsible. I think the team leaders know who they are by now. Reject these chronic non-spinners, they are an anchor around the neck of the whole team. You are much better off playing three handed because you have the chance of picking up a fourth player later on. Your crew will understand and appreciate it.
If you are a team leader and need players, post in the forum and advertise for one. Let them know what you expect from a team player when asking for players to join your team.
Another thing a team leader can do to pick up players willing to complete their spins is to come to Sunday Chat and let me know you need people for your team. Lots of times we can rustle up players to complete your team.
Re: pay before play,
We can't set up the tourney system to pay before you play, it's not practical because it would involve tweaking other connected stuff like the individual tourneys and the banking system etc., and members don't like having their banks messed with. I don't think it would help tournament participation if folks have to pay the whole chunk up front.