It would also be great if there was a way to start as a HC player on the island, rather than waiting until you reach serbule to change over.
This shouldn't be an issue, given if you die once you're out of the challenge (on that character) regardless; /age and your death level should be able to prove what killed you (and people should be able to weigh the legitimacy of your progress)

Ideally, we'd simply have a flag "Immortal" - for new characters that have never died (excluding deaths through falling through the map) to easily identify others in the challenge.

Though obviously flagging for HC has it perks, so people will probably do that anyway - there's no particular rush for it.

I'd like to imagine when someone dies - the community as a whole may be losing a proficient crafter, tank or healer, and things like necromancy runs will be that much more exciting. I just really hope people can stick with an honour code.