Probably not as many as there was in 2001. Splitting a project up into two forks is not very practical. Having the existing skill matrix of the current developers, increases efficiency ten-fold.
Then you would have communication issues with two teams, which is what nobody wants. If I was to project manage this activity, I would have looked at combining MAME and MESS in the very beginning.
Maybe your question is not based on capability but of leadership. Seems like the devs are doing a fine job so far, with so many distractions available.