One thing you haven't told us, Bjorn. Would you prefer the old players accustomed to the specific ruleset of RoE to take up the more powerful domains which might be a bit daunting to players unfamiliar with this particular PBEM? If Brandon doesn't return to reclaim Osoerde and (as you said) Evan won't be taking Diemed, for example?
While we're at it, will Jon play a realm? I'm pretty sure he'd do great separating his role as DM with that of a player/regent.