I love background, too...and I think in an AU it helps. Plus there are different ways to weave it in to a story.

I am not sure what you mean by 'go experimental' with Supply & Demand, unless it is what you hinted at in terms of Sam...and I would find that fascinating and I am not as familiar with those fandoms myself.

Penny has been left out of the fun,too...though I doubt there is a Cheesecake Factory on Atlantis, there might be a bar that needs tending...plus, would Howard really leave his mother?