I've had a heads-up message from one of the people who's expressed interest outside of the thread. Turns out they'll be a while yet before posting their application, so in the interest of making an executive decision while still giving them time to apply, I'll keep the application period open for just under two more weeks before I close it up.

Applications will close April 9th, New Zealand time.

(I know of at least three people, including my co-GM, who may or may not be working on their characters.)