Just to be clear, just because I'm a mod, you don't have to listen to me, I am just the voice of experience.

If my character and Operator's character fill in the blanks for now and get crests later, then we can start the RP itself without having to wait too long. If we stick with the story that they get them later, then it leaves some time where people can still join as the RP goes on and take in those last couple spots. If no one does, then they're already full. That's just my manner of thinking on it.