Yes - exactly this. Along that point, when I've made the offer to people I've tried to point out that having their character work in the Clearing group the rest of the time for this reason. I think the only exception so far has been Katara (Defensive)? But yeah. If he had to, Shikamaru would prefer to borrow people from Caesar's group, since they'll be working together anyways.

And no worries, I know how confusing this can get. Actually though, would you mind if I hit you up on AIM? That might make things easier.