Ahaha this is true, more healthy, the better chance of his dynasty continuing.
Who would be put forth? Well it really depends on if Henry V was still alive or how ambitious you wanna make Henry VI. It also depends on how you wanna play this out. If Maud actually has the nominal title or claim to it, It would be up to her, and if she were smart she would realize the folly of trying to rule half a rock from the middle of Franconia and give the claim to her Second son.
The title of HRE and work that would need to go into retaining it and any semblance of imperial authority in Germany would turn England into a wild card (in my opinion). The Lord's of England would want a ruler closer to home, so second obviously, if it were left for them to choose between the two.
The godly senario would be for Henry VI to already be an established Emperor and be able to softly push his claim. This way he could then add England to the HRE allowing him to hold sway over an engine of mercenary's, and if thing go like OTL, naval power. I only say this is possible because Richard the Lionheart treated England this way and only spoke french.
The plantagenets were already established by then, so this relationship would have to be grown into. Maybe future heirs could be raised a number of years back and forth between Germany and England?
So depending on the circumstances either or. Second son has the best chance if Henry VI isn't emperor, and it depends on Henry's mindset if he is.
England would lend enormous political clout to Henry though, reclaiming an old Roman province and all. Im not sure Henry VI would be allowed into the election if he was already King of England. Were the Salians electors? I know the pope helped them secure their position originally.
Ultimately it's up to how you wanna play it all out. Hope my humble opinions help.


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A great help, thanks : ) I am leaning toward a second son, due to the more practical nature of things, though maybe not wi thout the war happening first, knowing Matilda and all.