[@Dusty]
First come, first serve is just an easy rule of thumb that doesn't require a lot of thought.

I hate turning people down, but 8 is already at the edge of my comfort zone as a single GM, especially with how much effort I usually put into weaving characters into the story. To be honest, a group of 5-6 six is the 'sweet spot' for manageability for games like this.

Edit; I'll think about it?

That said....
If someone wants to help me Co-GM and collaborate on a second story line, I have a couple ideas for how this RP could have two smaller groups in the same setting (maybe with occasional cross-overs? no promises).