Question about The 12 Days of Christmas

[The Count]

First of all, if this is in the wrong section, then accept my apologies.

The version sung by the Muppets with Jimmy Fallon is meant to be a remake of the TV version of the version sung with John Denver. The Muppeteers/characters used in the Jimmy Fallon version follow.
Steve Whitmire: Kermit The Frog (2 turtle doves), Rizzo the Rat (11 pipers piping).
Dave Goelz: Gonzo the Great (3 French hens).
Matt Vogel: Robin the Frog (4 calling birds).
Eric Jacobson: Miss Piggy (5 golden rings), Fozzie Bear (7 swans a swimming), Sam the Eagle (10 lords a leaping), Animal (12 drummers drumming).
David Rudman: Scooter (6 geese a laying).
Bill Baretta: Rowlf the Dog (8 maids a milking), Pepe the King Prawn (9 ladies dancing).
So Eric got a heavy workload during this performance.

What I don't understand is, if the Muppeteers were available as listed above, why they felt the need to substitute characters from the TV version of the John Denver version? They could have easily done the following instead.
Steve Whitmire: Kermit the Frog (2 turtle doves), Statler (10 lords a leaping).
Dave Goelz: Gonzo the Great (3 French hens), Waldorf (10 lords a leaping).
Matt Vogel: Robin the Frog (4 calling birds), Floyd Pepper (11 pipers piping).
Eric Jacobson: Miss Piggy (5 golden rings), Fozzie Bear (7 swans a swimming), Animal (12 drummers drumming).
David Rudman: Scooter (6 geese a laying), Janice (9 ladies dancing).
Bill Baretta: Rowlf the Dog (8 maids a milking).
That's a better balanced workload for everyone involved. *Shrugs.