Resolution:
The connecting RTserver which uses the Max_Server_Connect_Conns option will attempt to connect to *every* RTserver in its server_names list. (Each connection goes as deep as priming the RTserver with the current cloud configuration/subject information). After a connection is established the connecting RTserver will check the value of the Max_Server_Connect_Conns option and if the current number of connections exceeds that value then RTserver will initiate a disconnect, move down to the next server_name in its server_names list and initiate a new connection to the next RTserver. With connect_one_stop the server_names list traversal is halted after the first successful connection.