interesting i had the same idea about the first day drop boost, but sounds too much like a conspiracy theory...otoh it would make sense. let some guys drop and let the other ones chase it with much worse chances...but still not convinced yet.
about the vortex fills, many guys hoard a lot, so they can burn everything once a good chance arrives. look at the post with the 216 marker souls. i can assure you there is no exaggeration involved there.