Oh certainly, those are all things that has to be accounted for and I would see why you would GM the way that you do, especially if you have a route in mind already. It just boils down to defeat different styles. My group generally has everyone pitching in, so the only thing that really separates the GM from the rest of us is knowledge of the world we're in.

I think it would help to herd this diverse cast together If one of them had an amiable disposition and ability to lead. In that regard, Faruq looks to be the best candidate - but there's still the matter of figuring out how we can motivate the Orc, Reachmen, and Vigilent to tag along.

Speaking of, there actually was something regarding Finch that might help to progress had s development without intruding upon the main plot - and either of your characters would work perfectly for it. Some words of advice, something that would help get Finch's head out of the clouds and come to terms with what he would eventually have to accept. I'll send out a PM on my first break, about two and a half hours from now.