Instead of players putting applications in threads, why not just in their profiles? Then we could have one thread for each group (ie. slave), players would reply to the thread that pertains to them, and the warmaster would add their names to the original post using the user tag so masters can be easily linked to the profiles. That way we don't have a ton of application topics.
I personally think that starting a new topic is easier.
1. Player starts a "job application" topic
2. Masters bid on the player in that topic
Couldn't be any easier.
If you do the profile thing, how would you bid?
I agree about the one thread, thing(or three, if you want to get technical), but what if someone who is new to the forums is a really good player. If none of the masters even recognized their name, wouldn't it be highly unlikely for them to get even one vote?
By vote I'm guessing you mean a bid?
Yes, it will be more difficult for a new forum member to get picked but that's life. If you apply to any kind of job or position, it's good to have job experience and letters of recommendation. On these forum it means that you are known and active member of the community.
It would be nice to give a spot to everyone who wanted one, but unfortunately that's not possible. Some people will be left out, and taking active members is always better because the event will run smoother. New members disappear, don't know the rules, don't participate in discussion etc.
To any new forum member who really wants to join War: start posting and becoming active on the forums! That will make it much more likely that you will get picked.