Playing 40 duels was fine - although anything above that would have probably been too much.
Since I had my manager take care of everything I don't even know how exactly the system worked, but it could have most likely been sped up by applying a mechanism such as this one:
- Participants of an upcoming duel have 3 full days to conclude their duel.
- Otherwise, on third day, the duel will be held at a given time and participants who don't show up at this time will be disqualified or put into the losing bracket. (An admin has to be present on the duel server at that time)
- Other rules such as "During the first two days, participants have the right to request an extension of the deadline up to one week and must state the reason for their unavailability" can be added.
...however, this mechanism might be harsh on admins.
Here's another idea:
- There are 3 "duel days", one each week. (Namely, a reserved time span of at least 3 hours each)
- All participants are encouraged be present on those days and must be present at least once (or twice, depending on the rules).
- As many duels as possible are fought during a "duel day" (Hypothetically speaking it would be possible for the competition to reach conclusion in one day)
- Remaining duels, if any, will be fought at a later time, using a different mechanism.
...however, this mechanism might be harsh on players.
As far as I'm concerned, I'd rather duel the whole day than be responsible for contacting/searching for my opponent.
Yet thanks to my manager I don't have anything to complain about this time around

Well done.