I'd separate the lower ecl gift and "completely non-standard character" things so epic sacrifice only could result in -1, -2 or -3 ecl gifts.
The non-standard char (normally only allowed on 5% success) would then instead require accumulating an amount of points through rpr. For example, suppose I needed accumulate 1000 rpr points, then if my rpr is 20, every 6 minute tick I get 20 points deposited into my special rpr points account (if the player is online).
Upon amassing 1000 points, I could then use them to get a non-standard char (amount of points needed should probably be way higher, but you get the idea

The advantage here is that one is rewarded for higher roleplay rating, for the purposes of getting a special char.
Grinding to get a 5% roll special char would no longer be a thing (if it ever was).
Additionally, one could require all special characters to come with MoD, or even a special MoD with fewer lives so as to weed them out over time.
What do you say, have I cracked the problem
