Holy cow this thread has gone out of control, all over one person leaving? Is he really so important that everyone has to hate on one another? Is he so important for some people to feel the need to claim the current staff needs to be usurped? Shane pops in, makes some updates (excellent ones, without a doubt) and suddenly when he leaves the staff is all of a sudden completely worthless? You guys clearly don't understand the time and effort put into this game, the staff try to do what they can for the game on the side of their busy lives. They don't get paid, they work on the game simply for the love of the game, and damn are you guys making it hard for them to love it. There is no need for them to be treated how they are being treated right now, it's just wrong, they are people too. Put away your pitchforks and torches people, and simmer down.
I'm not saying the staff did no wrong, in fact they majorly screwed up. How they didn't have a set place to meet up and brainstorm with their most important DEV is mind boggling to me. That's common sense 101 when it comes to teamwork, it surprises me as much as gotten done as it has without this common meeting ground put in place to be honest. However, they hopefully have realized now how much such a place is needed, and will only become stronger and more efficient because of it. However, let's not forget it takes two to tango, Shane could have just as easily said "hey, let's all meet up here and brainstorm." instead they both were failing to communicate, which is why this whole situation ended up like it did.
It is a shame Shane decided to leave, however this isn't the apocalypse, life will go on, please give it a rest and let's work together on moving forward.