Its a tough call for sure. Splitting a server population up like this could very well prove disastrous. However, if it is prone to problems that have no other viable solution, gotta go with what will work. HC is a sort of club for the more serious players, and for players who understand TFC a bit. Opening it up to the public could possibly destroy the sense of community HC players share, causing some to leave it. Since I am a relatively new member, and not part of the HC group (yet), my view is only from the outside looking in, so take all the above with a grain of salt
Regards,
Chocmerc