With it being so late in the first season, I completely understand why they're shifting focus a bit. It fills out the world, provides backstory... but they'll probably bring things abck to the main cast just as soon as the Crusaders get their marks. Also, MLPtales, I would think the marks will be some sort of variation. Look at Rainbow Dash and how they updated hers... but I guess we'll have to wait, to find out.