I already agreed to this so its too late to step back
Right after the release of Crossfire 1.8 a 2nd Crossfire server will be created running Crossfire 1.7.
I guess that means a bit of work for haegar due to the launcher and the update process but in worst case he needs to change a url or add a complete new function that reading out a source file for the update destinations (i leave that to you haegar ^^)
That new server does already exist but does not run a good mod yet... it has a community already but im sure we will find a way to keep the 2 communities together.
CF1.8 clans will not be able to claim rights on that 1.7 server as it wont have any clan systems.