Yeah, I enjoyed Alan's departure. Not because I dislike him, but because it seemed so natural.
And he thinks that he'll feel better away from May. I'm guessing… Nope. He'll feel more guilty, especially if something else happens. I've known a few people with a pseudo-hero complex, and I know that leaving wouldn't have worked for them. They would have left, but then felt guilty about leaving, but not be able to get back. :)
While avoiding rampant speculation, I think that this opens up a lot of possibilities.