Donation Bank/Troop Buffet
I'm not sure if this has been suggested before, nor how this will entirely work but I suggesting putting up a clan feature where the members could 'dump out' unwanted troops/spells and anyone who wants/needs troops for raiding/defence could just pick what they want in exchange of "elixir tax." The player who 'dump out' those troops/spells could get 50% refunds. Pretty much a market building? or a tavern?
But I don't think this should completely replace the request/donate feature because of the elixir tax.