It wouldn't surprise me about Ric knowing Jason's alive, but I'm not sure about Nik. In my dream, he would but I don't think so. 

Sam should be a Bad Girl. She's way more interesting to watch than she is as the Vestal Virgin of Port Charles. During 2007, she was way, way, WAY more fun to watch. She was the character I loved to hate rather than I character I hated just because she annoyed me. Truthfully, though, I don't want Sam anywhere near the Jake s/l. It'd make sense, sure, but I'd rather JaSam imploded over their own stupidity--rather, her stupidity--than make it about Jake. 

I'm wondering if RC toyed with the idea of bringing Jason back after he realized how badly he screwed up AJ. Of course he'll never admit to doing the character of AJ wrong, but until it seemed that SK/AJ was definitely out, that's when the rumors of Jason's return went full throttle. But yeah. . .the characters on canvas definitely need him.