Ok. So here's what I propose. I'm going to make two groups. One to cater to those who simply want to stick things with their weapons, and one to do more.. Whizbang, I'm not sure I wholly agree with your assessment as there are definitely options for players who want to go more into the politics of Ascadar, and I have set up some mysteries behind the scenes as well. But it is definitely true that I initially cast this campaign as what you're describing - where I intended most of the intrigue to be behind the scenes, and my main initial goal was to put the Dungeon back into Dungeons and Dragons.
So, the upshot is that I think Ascadar and the surrounding regions are big enough for both, and that I'll put out a casting call for more players. The amount of time I should have for this appears to be more, following next week, and I have a lot of notes now to make things easier for me.
We'll have two groups:
Pure Dungeon Delvers (stick the bad guys, take their loot)
Whatever Seems Interesting (including intrigue and more RP heavy)
It will of course be possible for both groups to mix and match as needed. Right now I'll probably aim to have 2-3 in the Whatever Seems Interesting group and 4-5 in the Dungeon Delvers. So 'sign up' to the one you want!

(Again, you can switch or combine as desired - I'll have three IC threads.. One for each group, and a combined one for maybe when the two groups get together at a tavern, or for general rumors/information).