Band politics: To Salvage, to Scrap or to Wait?

Only you can determine how option two will affect friendships so can't really comment on that one. The bottom line is this, you need people to play with. Looking for all new members is certainly an option but playing with people you already know is much easier. If you want some of the original guys back you just have to talk to all of them and just be honest. Tell them how important playing is to you, it may just be fun to them and nothing serious. Tell them you want to start playing again but you need people that will be committed. If they cannot commit to a steady rehearsal schedule then they probably shouldn't be a part of it. You can say this as nicely as possible and they should understand. If the old bandmates aren't willing to commit then you start looking for new people.