After thinking about it for a bit, and getting some clarifications from Alectai at discord, I'm also for changing to Moderate Cult Expansion approach. What got confirmed there was that the decision we make here regarding that expansion speed? It won't be something we will be able to change easily.
This is obviously pretty important. It means we won't be able to easily switch from slowly and covertly expanding our network of a mystery cult to suddenly going for maximum popularity among the masses. The reverse is also likely even more true, as going from maximum popularity to secretive cult meetings doesn't seem feasible once the cat is out of a bag. So it is probably wise to think the choice as at least semi-permanent, or even permanent.
And as I don't think the mystery cult approach fits the Verdant Maiden in the long run, I instead urge people to switch to the option that goes for the middle ground between the two extremes. It still basically guarantees that people won't start doing things we really don't want them to do, and is less likely to cause panic putton to be pressed immediately by the imperial authorities. Pretty much the golden middle road in this case.
[X] We are not going to get anywhere by being too secret, we should bring in anyone who will hear us out
[X] Plan: Feed the Hungry