Why cycling "Searching for opponents" versus getting table for 1 and searching?

[Marsha A]

Been sitting at a table for 10+ minutes and never maturing to an actual assigned table. Tried a few times for varying minutes from a couple to over 15 minutes. So question is, how come not at any table even if just me at the table versus table purgatory?

[RebaSheba]

After having this problem myself and watching patterns of game setup, players online, etc., here's my best deduction about what's going on.

It looks to me as though, at least in Arena, only 1 table at a time is set to fill up with people seeking a game. Using a 4 player game as an example, if there are 2 people already seated at a table, waiting for a 3rd and 4th before I try to join -- and if one of those players has red-thumbed me -- I will not be seated at a table (I'll be in table purgatory) until the other table gets its 4th and that game has started.

I think I've also been booted from tables where I have been seated, but we are waiting for additional players, the configuration of not-yet-seated players looking for a game includes someone who has red-thumbed me, and that configuration, plus players at our table can get a game started sooner if I am booted.