This takes longer than docking on a base that maintains levelidity during a transition. There is also a greater risk of jumpers imparting vertical loads to the formation as they dock because they may dock from above, not level, with the formation. The fall rate should be as fast as possible because maneuvers are easier and faster at faster fall rates. The fall rate should be compatible with the jumpers on the jump. It should be within the capabilities of everyone.
Every jumper has a wide range of fall rates.
It helps most dives and jumpers tremendously to jump with people of their same body type. Levelidity problems will almost certainly exist between 100 pound and 250 pound jumpers. Their problems are aggravated when their body types are mismatched. Usually the woman gets the blame for being a floater. She could learn faster by jumping with people with heights and weights similar to hers.