I would suggest waiting for Entropicurity if no one minds a slightly delayed start

I am still feeling a bit uncomfortable that we are mixing beginners and advanced players in this game. Let's say if you can find 6 beginner to lower intermediate players, then make it a game and I'll happily drop out.

Use the advanced players only if it is really not possible to gather 6 other players...

But I insist on being allowed to have an ally,

Obviously it won't be vmanuel or ccmaster (who might not be playing anyway).