Board Game Arena

Not sure about others, but when I want to play a game I dont always care if its a normal mode or arena, whichever can start first. So it would be great if I can create or wait in open rooms, while also waiting to find arena players.

I agree

Open a second tab, switch one to Arena, one to Simple game, and only then start searching on the two tabs

That does work, but it's sort of clunky. You have to open both tabs first and THEN join the queue. If you join the queue before opening the second tab, it doesn't work.

It also forgets which of your games were "un-collapsed" in regular mode.

I do the same thing, but it is kinda annoying especially if you want to see the current rooms youre in, would be great if there was just a button though.

I also feel you would have more people availble for games since those in normal rooms who want to play in arena can join the queue, and possible have a game start.

Just make the button for joining the live arena game in the main lobby, alongside present create a game.