diff --git a/tools/btoperator.py b/tools/btoperator.py
index 890048b..d525586 100644
--- a/tools/btoperator.py
+++ b/tools/btoperator.py
@@ -577,14 +577,12 @@ class Operator(QMainWindow):
             args += ["--relay", str(self.f_port.value()), self.egg_path]
             if self.f_manual.isChecked():
                 args += ["--manual-launch"]
-            # RESERVE the operator's LOCAL seats so a remote join.bat can't be
-            # assigned one before the (slow-to-boot) local instance claims it
-            # -- the seat-collision that dropped the operator's pod + stalled
-            # the launch (field report 2026-07-18).
-            local_tags = [tags[r] for r in range(self.table.rowCount())
-                          if self._row_local(r) and r < len(tags)]
-            if local_tags:
-                args += ["--reserve", ",".join(local_tags)]
+            # --reserve RETIRED (2026-07-22): it protected the operator's
+            # BT_SELF-pinned local seats from walk-up assignment, but local
+            # instances now request seats like every joiner -- reserving
+            # their seats locked THEM out ("ROSTER FULL" on the operator's
+            # own launch, field report).  Seat order is first-come now; the
+            # trim-on-launch flow makes exact seats moot.
         else:
             # mesh: console dials each pod's CONSOLE port (= game port - 1)
             args += [self.egg_path]