At Full Tilt, the wait lists are a little goofy now that they have the "wait for a table like this" feature (which I never use). Because there could be players waiting for tables similar to the one you are looking at, the numbers tend to be higher than normal. I'll add myself to the wait list if there are 4 or less people already on the list, sometimes 5 if the table looks really good (high VPIP and two or more noted fish). You'd be surprised how quickly you move up to 1 or 2 on the wait list.

Keep in mind that you don't have to take a seat when one opens up. If you get a seat at a table but you see a bunch of regs and one known fish on your left, just stand up before posting a blind.