Here's the grouping issue as I see it:
You can form a party spread over any zones and any overflows (of which there are multiple). But in order to actually play together, you have to all be in the main zone. That's fair enough, I suppose. But there are some huge issues that are holding this system back.
First, queue times to get out of the overflow in busier areas are 20-30 minutes.
Second, every time you change zones, or use waypoints, you (if in the main zone) get shunted to an overflow, or (if you're in an overflow) you get shoved to the back of the queue.
Third, the "Join party member" option doesn't work. Nothing happens the first 3 or 4 times I click it. And if I click it after that, I get an error saying I have no internet connection.
So, to party effectively, we have to a), play less popular zones, b ) trudge around on foot (not use waypoints!), c) not change zones, and d) put up with a lot of shit.