Board Game Arena

I’m wondering why people refuse to start a game. Is there a disadvantage to being first?

It's not clear what you mean by "refusing to start".

Do you mean players that won't create new tables, only join tables created by others?

Do you mean in a real time game, when the table has enough players, someone doesn't hit the "accept" button so the game doesn't start?

Do you mean a player has the first turn, and just never plays and times out?
Or, a player who has the first turn quits the game rather than start with their first move?