Timer Solution - PLEASE READ
The current Timer mechanism is grossly unpopular.
Many experienced players find the timer too permissive and want a speedier gameplay.
At the same time, the timer is prohibitive to other segments of the population who require time to read the cards and review the board. This encompasses many new players (who may well quit the game after too many demoralizing losses - when learning chess, you don't immediately get thrust into a timed environment...and chess boards are nowhere near the complexity and MTG board can reach).
It's also a barrier to play for for people with a variety of physical or mental conditions that impact their speed of reading/processing/playing out their moves: the timer is inherently ableist, and assumes people can read/understand/respond within a specific timeframe.
I understand the desire to prevent stalling and deliberate time wasting, but for folks who legitimately are struggling to read cards, it's punitive and demoralizing. Even those without specific challenges can find the timers problematic when the cards an opponent is using are complex and unfamiliar - there can be a lot to read, and losing because you weren't given time to read and respond is crushingly unfun.
Suggestion-
Have options regarding timers: one for the contingent who are experienced enough to want/enjoy fast-paced play with limited pauses (fairly aggressive timeouts), and one for those who (for whatever reason) want to have more time to review cards and choose their play. Just match us against people with similar wants/needs for speed of play. Improves the game experience for both groups.
Thanks for reading! :)