The Problem with Multiplayer Teamwork

The Dream

Ok here's the scenario: You're at a...

A) Castle
B) Battleship
C) Terrorist Hideout
D) Steampunk Blimp

Playing as a...

A) Sword-wielding knight that can fly
B) New Recruit
C) Navy Seal
D) Be-goggled man with swag

Oh no the...

A) North wall has fallen!
B) Kraken has been released!
C) Hideout was a trap!
D) Water coolant system is busted!

In each of these scenarios it would be extremely useful to have a buddy around to help you, or an engineer to fix... something.  It seems to me that a lot of multiplayer games try and rope you together and get everyone to work together.   In my experience it never turns out how it should.

Uh oh the/players...

A) Guys at the North wall didn't tell anyone
B) New guy at the port-side cannon isn't shooting
C) Everyone splits off on their own, and fights one on one!
D) Engineer is AFK... >:(

The way that most games try to have you communicate is via chat or voice.  Chat is pretty useful and I do it just as much as the next guy.  In the heat of the moment, however, you can't really type: "Hey I need some help at the North wall, a level (input ridiculous number) goblin just came through!  Bring some (weapons that kill goblins) with you!" Because if you do, that ridiculous goblin will kill you.  Now I know CoD and Halo have some voice options, but half the time it's pretty annoying to talk to the other players.  Some of the indie games I play like Dungeon Defenders and Guns of Icarus have the "press-to-talk" option, but EVERYONE always turns it off.  Me included.

The Point to this Tirade

I was talking with my friend the other day and we were discussing what games should support multiplayer, but every indie game we came up with wouldn't work with the current communication setup.  The good multiplayer games that work well are ones that you don't truly need to work together on.  So the present term "teamwork" really means the rogues go solo it, new players run around, and no one is a healer.  I feel like there should be some other way of communication, but I can't think of a way that doesn't already not work. (Did that make sense?)

This is completely open.  If you totally disagree with what I said, then post in the comments!  Tell me if the CoD voice talking is the best!  I want to know!