Bumping this thread for help because I'm in a similar boat. Here is what I have in my description.ext:
respawn = 3;
respawndelay = 1;
respawnDialog = 1;
respawnTemplates[] = {"MenuPosition","MenuInventory"};
respawnOnStart = 1;
disabledAI = 1;
joinUnassigned = 1;
aiKills = 1;
Yet upon mission launch, the empty playable characters are still there and can be joined without being forced to wait for zeus to place a spawn. What am I missing?