I prefer our character not be N7 right from the beginning of the story. I'd like to earn my stripe, so to speak, this time. N7s would revered regardless of "the Skyllian Blitz"; "Akuze"; or "Torfan"; much the same as Delata Force, SEAL Team VI and SAS Regiment operators are revered by those on the outside. The fact that Shepard was even more insanely elevated doesn't change this.
As to the identity of the N7 in MEA, I'll restate what I've stated before, since I got no input, good or bad, previously. I think the N7 is a Ryder, just not our Ryder. I think he is quite possibly the father of the protagonist.
This N7 is plastered on the cover of the upcoming "Andromeda Initiative" novel, strongly implying he could be the protagonist, or a main character, at least. If he's starring in the novel, that's locking his gender as male.
We saw the pic in the N7 day trailer that seemed to depict a parent and two children.
I believe that the N7 is dad, and the protagonist is one of the two siblings. Which sibling we play is decided by our choice made at character creation time, of course.
I'm not sure what ole dad is up to, but he likely has reasons for his seemingly roguish behavior. We will likely be pursuing him as we carry out our main "Ai"/"Pathfinder" duties, whatever they may be.
That's my theory, as it currently stands. I think it fits the current evidence reasonably well.
Edit: Further discussion with Shechinah and Fogg led me to add this addendum:
The N7 day family photo showed a parent, a younger sibling and an older sibling. It is possible that the older sibling is the N7. Either way, I believe our N7's gender is locked as male.