I hate these "guidelines." 15 people in a shteibel and 15 people in a massive shul are not equal. To give a blanket guideline like that is pointless. Also, what percentage of shuls in NYC will actually (be able to) limit participation to 15 mispallelim?
So how does it work ? The highest paying membership gets first rights? Or who ever attended the longest streak without missing a minyan?
Oldest to youngest?
That's sure stupidity IMO.
A shul like Agudah of Ave L or Rabbi Frankel in Flatbush or Rav David Cohen or any yeshivah, 15 people is a joke. That leaves more than enough space for each person to have 5 tables.
First start limiting Walmart to 15 people and liquor stores than we can allow 15 per shul! What a crazy govt.!