Since these are Z-Wave devices, there are a few things I'd consider, then:
- Any "ghosts", failed pairings, or other problems in your Settings > Z-Wave Details table? If you're not sure, post a copy here and someone can help you look through it.
- Have you updated the Z-Wave radio firmware to 17.7.1? C7 2.3.1 and Z-Wave Firmware 7.17.1
- Are you on platform 2.3.2? There were additional improvements that are supposed to make metering unnecessary, though the above update (which requires at least 2.3.1) has also been helpful for many.
All of the above assumes you're on a C-7 hub; Z-Wave mesh health is, of course, relevant to any network, but there isn't an easy way to diagnose much there on earlier models--just the general advice that is also relevant to a C-7, like making sure you have enough repeaters in your network, limit traffic on chatty devices (power metering devices like the Red Series or some smart plugs come to mind), etc.]
Any of this might help get them to be more responsive faster, since the problem you're describing is unusual. That being said, if you do still end up needing to work around whatever issue, hopefully something above helps (or maybe just metering in the group, which is still an arbitrary order but I'm not sure I saw mentioned).
