If you are running a campaign with an open group (the players who start are not necessarily the players who finish), one suggestion I have is that when a new Rebel player takes over as an existing hero (and it's not a one time thing), allow them a one time full refund of their items, a chance to shop, and allow them to "respec" up to 4 points of xp.
If the old player returns or a new one appears, let them do the same (and give them access to rebuy their old equipment). This will let them rekit their character a bit to thier play style without rebuilding it from nothing, and allows the changes to not totally bone the original player if they return, as they can respec back , within reason.
There's still a natural choice penalty for leaving, but this softens the blow and encourages players to return to the board.