The PvPfest will be updated to 1.8 too. A new map will be added. *It is going to reset soon when the map will be finished.*
You fixed the lag, but I am experiencing trouble. I don't know if it's on my end, or not, but I keep getting forced out, when on creative. To be more clear, I'm able to get on the creative server just fine and make a few changes to my plot. The only problem is that after about a minute or two, I keep getting... how should I put this... forced out. I just thought I would put this out there and see if I'm (not) the only one...
I think this is a great way of picking staff members because you are right, People can easily lie in applications without even the slightest background check of the individual.