Currently; When a hub user wants to grant a slot for someone important [V.I.P] 'they can' ,temporarily that is.With disconnects and time-outs, this means, that unless the person you are atempting to D/L from, is able to Re-grant you a slot, or you are lucky enough to score another one.You are out of luck
A solution could be one whereby *based on your nick*. A permanent auto slot grant is an option for those V.I.P'S who you wish to give a slot to: Always.
e.g You show 4/4 slots full in search......When V.I.P connects to you......You now show 5/5 slots full.This provides you as a V.I.P the slot you know you should have, and the current 4 other users still keep theirs.
I don't believe that this would detract from max slots.As I'm sure most users, would only have one or two V.I.P'S in mind at any one time.Thus providing a some-what smoother file transition, for those whom build up a good repore with other users; And who deserve permanent slot grant without that person being at there computer.
Best Regards
Prez