crate: Yes, good point about the lower end. So I'll suggest moving the deeper end to D:11, perhaps it'll get some traction. (There can still be an earlier, random altar to a missing temple god.)
Regarding zealots: I am very much in favour of AK (this is sort of my brainchild, so I am biased). No idea how many players actually use this to get to know the Abyss, but Crawl certainly has enough players for this to happen sometimes. I also think it's really cool that you can start in the Abyss. (The reason above for not starting in other areas is not good, because there is no other mechanic like distortion that forces you to some other branch.)
CK is a given, fun to many and an interesting challenge on its own. I'd always defend this.
On Be: we've long seen Berserkers as easy mode. I agree it is overshadowing the competition, and piety gain with Trog is easy enough that, for a newbie, reaching an early altar/temple and picking Trog there should be a headstart, too. So I actually wouldn't mind removing Be anymore (and then deal with "zealots" perhaps as Tiktacy says). It would require redoing the tutorial, though. Effort!
Let's keep Jiyva and Lugonu out of the Temple: I really like the possibility of having gods that are less accessible. This is a lot of flavour, but I think a slimmer temple is also worth something. And it makes the occasional early J/L altar a rare, hence more interesting option. Perhaps we should think about whether some other god can be "minored"