Ok you realm-record holders...share a little insight on how to run something faster!

I consistently average approx. 40-45 seconds on the first wave of the Hauntlet. This is constant on all characters, all group combos, etc.

Trying to fight towards/at the next room entrance doesn't appear to work because of spawns that always occur behind the progression.

Difficulty scales, but how does it do so?
Number of players?
Level of players?
Do dormant players matter? (group players not in zone)

Just rifling some thoughts and totally open to elaboration...