I thought Seel was doing quite well, as an S&S.
As for active (unknown) pawns, that is exactly what I always wonder about (especially with lower level pawns (are they lower level because they were abandoned, for example). However, there are a few little hints, that they might be active. (okay, they are what "I" call
hints. lol!)
1) I look at their inclinations. I know this shouldn't seem like an indicator, but I noticed that most lower level pawns with better inclinations (rather than the standard Guardian/Nexus + whatever), often can mean that their player is actively learning/looking stuff up regarding building of pawns (though again, it can also mean that they are not actually new players, but simply someone with a new arisen/pawn....and they still could have abandoned them.

)
2) Seeing if they have been rented in the past (have ratings). Now, I actually really like renting pawns without ratings, since I can finally give them that. But I tend to suspect that the pawns with ratings are "potentially" more active.
3) general build care (stats/armor/weapons), along with where they have explored.
Now granted, none of these guarantee an active pawn, but I figure my chances are
better with pawns that fall into these categories. It's a theory. *shrug*

On another note; Death is becoming a real pain in my ass!

I just want to DF this damnable cape, but Death keeps mucking things up. *shakes fist*
So now I am heading to the Dark Bishop, in the hopes to get this thing forged. Once it is, I am switching to MA, going to the Bloodless Stockade (hopefully he will be there....post Daimon can sometimes be a crapshoot), and Ricochet him to "death". <bastart>
LOL!