The Server now appears in the server list because Drew upgraded it so I could take the password off.

Now, sv_steam_group_exclusive 2 doesn't actually exist, so in theory once one or more of us is connected, the server is open to the public.

From what I've read thus far, we still can't lobby up to select characters, but the campaign and difficulty can always be set by vote after joining.

There's another solution that almost works, but it needs more MacGuyver'ing before it's doable without a lot of work. Most people are just hoping Valve does something.