[Volatile]

As far as scene locks are, I think if you haven't posted by the time conflict intent has been stated, and your first RP in the scene is a flee/pursue roll, you should be counted as not within the scene. Otherwise all the dramatic buld up and tension of that scene can be ruined. And in my case with Blake, can result in the death of the character.
Should've taken Nerin or Marisol... Woulda made more sense for either of them not to be cap 3.
SWEAT
PERSONAL VENT ASIDE...
If Person A came into Moonfall to fight my Demon and Person B was literally just... watching until a flee roll popped by person A when my Demon attacked? I'd be hella pissed. Person B, who was just watching, doing nothing to contribute to the scene, should not be allowed to pursue, or to interact with the scene no matter how strong or weak the ally was, if they didn't even post or have a dot up before Person A tried to flee. It cuts out the tension. And even if I was on their side I'd be like 'dude really?'
Scenelocking casual situations in settlements, outside of homes? No bueno.
But scenelocking conflict should always be a thing.
Once hostile intent is stated no matter where you are, scenelocking should be default.
It makes going against the opposition, attempting to be 'huhu shneaky' not possible. It makes minor antags not be able to be minor antags and build up their rep.
It makes it impossible for any good guy trying to go and sneakily slay a witch/Demon after comming out an inviso pot, impossible.
It makes taking a character whose a relative nobody becoming relevant without lurking in the shadows of others and riding their coat-tails far more difficult.
But they don't have the ability to scene lock, dev rivalries, build proper nemesises... Nemesi? What is the plural for this? IDK.

Wars should have some sort of home field advantage. There should be the ability for winners of their battles, if seeing their allied captured, have the right to fight and attempt to prevent capture of an ally. There should be special magical abilities that leaders can enact in times of war where their troops morale is increased or decreased. Adding a bonus to AP or DR or something to their allies. Chaos and Order Magi in Spires used to have a buff like this. I think Chaos Magi could buff their allies AP by 5%? And Order DR by 5%? Maybe pre-war preparation should allow an faction to get small bonuses in this regard, or nerf their enemies slightly. Something, anything to make feeling like Defending your home has home-field advantage.
Because it doesn't exist.

War may be 'fairer' when fight re done one on one, but there should be some home field advantages when defending your territory.