To clarify a little more on the decision made by the TF2 Management.
We understand the issues around not limiting specific classes and appreciate all the useful feedback we received from this poll. For now the class limits will be left at their default setting. The reason being, we do not wish to restrict new player's in their class choices and avoid the issue of having to explain to new players why they cannot play the class of their choice. Part of the challenge of TF2 is having a team with a good balance of classes in order to complete objectives, this should be done in a way which is not strictly enforced, but rather through educating the new players.
No Crits server will have the same settings; and due to the higher player skill base on that server, they should be more aware of the importance of a having a balanced selection of classes.
The primary aim is to teach new players about team class balance and not force it.
We intend to assist this position in a number of ways:
1. The !Tips feature, which is currently in production and is intended to help quickly educate players with information not found in the standard loading tips and in game tutorial mode.
2. We are also looking into a notification system, which informs the player of the issue when they decide to be come the 4th spy for example.
3. Being vocal with your team about the need for a specific class etc (in a polite way
)
The only serious restriction has been setting the engineer limit to 1 on CTF maps, as CTF maps with 5 engineers on either team just makes the maps unplayable and as a result, not fun for the rest of the players (on both sides).