I think releasing bHIVE (I like the sound of that!) and an LP associated with, preferably several, should be a priority. It shouldn't be too hard to get it out since it's mostly re-using the same code that the other pools use.

I think you should take the risk. The downside is negligible relative to the upside.

I think if sufficiently many of us keep pestering Khal, bHIVE and the pools will happen.