While this could be an amazing idea to bring more people together and make Alora more fun, this also has its downsides.
I think that this mode would be filled with "older" players who know each other and easily would be able to shape a great group.
On the other hand, it would make a hard time for new players IMO. Even with EIM we saw trouble with new players trying to look for partners, who didn't have a long partnership.
Now imagine them trying to shape up a group of 4-8 people. Would end up in a disaster. We have to remember, that we as a community have a responsibility for new players and not exclude them too much.
If this somehow could be avoided, it would be an awesome idea.