When creating a lobby, you can reserve certain slots for your friends! Just hit Advanced Settings, click the slots you want reserved and add your own password!
15:35:14TF2C | ṽ⧉ fac:
If you want your friends to play there’s a reserve option for a reason. If they don’t make it in time to fill the slot before the password goes away for said slot that’s on them for being slow. Don’t kick if they don’t make it in time. Try for the next one.