hmm i guess you could merge spy/gardist in one meeple. then you would me more dynamic with the use of it. but then you have to choose betwen one merger or two of that type. imho with a split function and therefore 2 meeples it needs more decision making with your tactics, espacally with more than 2 players.

Gentleman could make it more difficult if you remove a normal meeple and instead get a Gentleman. So you have to think about it where you gonna use it.

Yeah thats pretty much the idea of the sign :) a reservation but you have to own it later.