I think it’s actually been a serious blow to Hussie to spend so much time on break. I’m glad he took time for himself to catch up and I wouldn’t want anyone to push themselves too far. If he needed it, then he should have taken it. That’s non-negotiable. 

However, I think it’s really hurt the reception of the story because no matter what, any fast paced story-telling is going to seem out of place and disjointed now. People are balking at this upd8 because it’s so “out of place” and seems very deux ex machina when in theory it’s about time for some clever fast-paced montage. The problem is, having a year off gave people a long time to solidify their own headcanons, predictions, even to forget the pace and voice of canon. I myself have had lines blurred between what I’ve seen in canon and what I just liked in fanworks.  

Perhaps the most bothersome thing I’ve come across is after the Gigaupd8 I’ve seen people complain that the cast is acting OOC. Shouldn’t the AUTHOR have final say on what is OOC or not? This is again coming from the fact that people have fully decided that their faves act a certain way and this is why. It’s set in stone for them now. They’ve forgotten these are a bunch of kids who are still malleable and can still make mistakes or maybe even change their minds once in a while.

In short, let the story continue as it should have without throwing a fit if something doesn’t sit right with you - ships, characterizations, events, whatever. Hussie’s done a brilliant job so far of explaining things and fleshing them out in due time if it’s relevant. Please try to remember that and keep an open mind, especially now that we’re in the final stretch.