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My advice at this point would be to make A decision, without worrying too much about making the best possible decision, as that seems to be taking you forever. Better to make a fair descision on time, then a good descision too late.
I think we are going with Tryeus's break down for organization purposes, then we head to the castle johnny knows about. Btw, in the process of talking to the clerics, I'm going to ask about what knowledge and craftsman skills they have, if any.
Once we get to the castle, the pc's should do things on thier own. We could just have the npc's report to us and we can make important decisions for them.
Various clerics have various skills... all the important craft skills are represented, as well as all the knowledge skills available to clerics. A few useful professions are also present; for example, one of the clerics of St. Cuthbert is a lawyer.