I thought about it, after playing a game just a moment ago. If not a new voting system, because there's error in that method...then a new system of lives. I was thinking about it the other day and one idea that came to mind was a "(x) seconds playtime penalty," where the player is only penalized a life if the player continues to play after 100 seconds each level. Or a percentage of the total time limit for stages less than 100 seconds.
Insert Coin. Press START. You Died. Continue?