[link]For those wishing to see the panel, here you go! I've not gotten to watch it myself yet, so I'm not certain of quality on video/audio. Hopefully this will provide some info/entertainment for you!
Also: I'll provide more info shortly, but Katie Cook and I will be in Anaheim California for the release of issue 1, doing signings and selling sketches! Full blown release party, so excited!! It'll be here before you know it!!
I wonder if I'll be able to pick out the things you all talked about in issues 2 and 4.
As for Derpy-related things, remember that most of the early fan discussions are available in an archive, and anything sourced as Anonymous is open for Hasbro to grab, including story ideas. That includes potential occupations, living situations, etc.
With Katie being a Fraggle fan / writer, I can tell the comic will have a good heart.
The ancients had to deal with these things, rogue bards telling crossover myths. Heck, ever since Ivanhoe, scholars have had to tell everyone that no, the historical Robin Hood and Richard the Lionhearted weren't buddies.
I like everything you said about your interaction with Hasbro: the creative freedom and the attention to canon. Also, it sounds like I can dream of Don Rosa style backgrounds featuring popular ponies. That would be the best! Speaking of which...
Oh, Derpy, why must you torture me? After "The Last Roundup", I was glad to see her on her way out of the background. Then came the infamous re-editing. But then she was that special edition toy and now one of the companies taking pre-orders for your comic has promised a Derpy cover. Should I dare hope for that Derpy episode you heard about?
And I'm intrigued at your villain ideas. Really do hope Hasbro approves of them for future issues.