If there will be more than 8 character slots per account available after the server marge (for subscribing players), how about you make that change now, as soon as possible.
I'm sure there are other than me who are returning after a long time away from the game, who feel that making a new character from scratch would be a good way learn the game again. And who like myself have all character slots filled.
It would probably be a nice feature to see for many who return during the holidays.