I'm in the 'leave them neutral/independent' camp for the reasons already shared. I think it would be good for more of the planets to remain unclaimed and unprotected by the major powers. Ignoring Jaspis' position as the Abwehran homeworld, I do feel that the system is probably in a spot that should be claimed by Yam in some fashion. It's pretty removed from their other systems and looks out of place.
I'd like to add that having a neutral buffer between Yam, the NDC, and the space that I think the NDC has been okay'd to expand into, feels appropriate. Yam/Nep/whoever claiming/protecting systems closer to NDC territory feels uncomfortable from an in-character view.
If we feel that planets must be claimed, then I'd like to request that ASE-006 be left independent and/or open for future NDC expansion. Partially for the reasons above, but also because the NDC is a nation of refugees. If their empire must fall, then I think the NDC as an option for refugees who don't want to be folded into one of the major powers feels appropriate. Selfishly, I was considering making an Ab character, so getting to make use of their look, culture, etc, would be nice when the time comes.
As for Vice, we've given up on that after all the backlash that was received and are trying to figure out what to do with the plot threads that had been in the works. I'll second Jack's comments on Khorsolova.