Yes, I found this post interesting. But, while it is an excellent start to identify possible suspicious (bot) activity from some accounts in modern format, I am not convinced that reliable information can be obtained with this parameter alone. For example, If you're an experienced Splinterlands player, it usually takes you no more than 30 seconds to put together a team. So less than a minute or not-too-short team selection times are not indicators of any suspicious activity in my opinion.
What I do find interesting is that you, like many of us, are convinced that there are accounts that use bots and helpers in the modern format. If you weren't, you wouldn't be making this kind of post.
In my particular case, I have never been concerned about the use of bots or helpers, except for those that are cheaters and that should definitely be eliminated and sanctioned. Which bots do I consider cheaters? Those that are able to read or know in advance the monster team that you have sent in your battle. In this situation, if those accounts have the necessary cards, they will be able to beat your team almost immediately.
That's why even though I can select my battle team in less than 30 seconds, I don't click the battle button until there are less than 5 seconds left. Maybe it's paranoia, but this simple strategy increases my battle win rate considerably.
For me there are clear criteria for users who are using bots, for example, those who always send their teams 15-20 seconds after you send yours. The time has been getting shorter over time, I guess the use of cloud computing makes them faster and more versatile. So, for me, a stronger criterion in finding cheating bots is the fact that they always send their team second, i.e. they are always the number two player. Another criterion can be having a relatively high percentage of battles won compared to other players who have more or less the same cards. Another criterion for searching can be the way cards are rented, i.e. if most cards are rented right when the battle is taking place, it can mean that that account knows which card it needs right then to beat its opponent.
Of course, none of these criteria are indicative per se that the account is using bots or helpers. But, if it meets these, and many other criteria, then it can be considered an account suspected of using bots or helpers.
Great post!
You make great points. I agree completely that queue times alone are not a strong indicator of bot activity, but it can be one small indicator among many.
I hope it is not possible to read the opponents submitted team before submitting. I know that used to be possible in the past, but my impression is that it can no longer happen. If it can, then that's a huge problem.
Thanks for your feedback!