I remember Sneaky Pete wrote an opus and said he was gone permanently. He has been true to his word but I wish he had stayed.
I did not blame him at the time but just after he left FR changed sharply for the better.
For your amusement...
That’s happened a few times. WTC911 did the pretend opus thing, came back, got railed harder and has barely posted since. Hardcore PDSer. There are a few that should follow his lead.