Don't know if there are any other logistics involved but the pit clearing sounds like a fair way of trying to give everyone a chance at some pit time.
A little late now, but you should have set maybe 3 or 4 different likely meet-up times to accommadate various tastes in schedules and allowing for the rejoining of the group. Guess if you guys are texting, browsing, tweeting, whatever; you can still do so.
Have fun y'all! I'm going to the pool.