Here is what I've decided:
With
dilligafdbp dropping out, we now have 5 deadball era teams and 5 "homerun" era teams (1990-present). These two divisions are now full and no other team can use decade teams from these eras. We will do a 20 team league, meaning we now only have 3 spots to fill. I believe this division format matches up with the intent of the league, as now all teams will be perfectly aligned by era and playing style. I am hoping we can do a full 24 team league in the future, but for our first season I think this is our best course of action.
As always, I am open to input, so please reach out with any additional suggestions.