Issue: Guilds are sitting on a node watching the timer (and sometimes re-contending it after the timer runs out) and in this state it cannot be attacked by other guilds.
Suggestion: Reduce the contend timer and put in place the following aspects: The moment a player presses contend and sits on the timer they are technically defending it and as such their defending rights on any other node should be removed leaving that node more vunerable. In addition, other guilds should be able to attack the contender in a PvP situation for the right to contend/attack the node. If they win, they become the contender and so forth. The timer starts from when the first player contends and runs out regardless of whomever controls the contention. If the timer has elapsed the player immediately has to take the node within a set time frame or forfeit, much alike the 5 second attack or lose your turn approach. If the timer has elapsed during a PvP situation the winning player has to take the node immediately under the same circumstances.
Outcome: A more strategic approach required with added jeopardy. Players would need to decide to leave the node they are currently defending (if at all) and either risk a PvP situation or multiple instances of for the length of the timer, or take the node immediately.