A computing system group member, signal bearing medium, and method. A configuration of a computing system group member is determined to be able to assume a role of a primary member of the computing system group and, in response thereto, a first status is assigned in the member. All members of the computing system group receive, in order, all messages directed to group members. A second status is assigned in response to determining that the configuration of the member is not able to support performance as a primary member. The member then processes, within the member, all messages that are transmitted to all members of the group when the member is assigned the first status and when the member is assigned the second status. The configuration of the member, while assigned either the first status or the second status, is adjusted based upon contents of the messages.