Erekose,
I have found that split party's work even better in PbP games than in table-top RPG's. They will allow you to pay full attention to all of the groups, without taking away game time from one or the other. The distinction between IC and OOC knowledge isn't really a problem, I think.
BTW, did Thomas find anything of interest on the two dead ogre-bugs? I did a search action earlier, but you might have missed it. (Search +10 if it matters.)
Fanog