If we do A (which is much preferred on my part), I would like to play Pearl if that's an option. If not, oh well, I'll make a character. My vote is still cast for A, because as you said, it would be easier to stick to canon.

If we do B, ditto (Pearl), but I wouldn't want to make an original character- I don't think I could come up with a plausible creation, if that makes any sense, that would fit into canon.