With everyone leaving, I get the feeling the simple planes community isn't dying, but being reborn. If all the old socks (like me) leave, (I'm not going to, duh) then this awesome community might just be restarted with new people like Rob55717 (made that up). I don't think it's the end, and it shouldn't be treated that way. Everyone that has had their account deleted or just left, should be able to leave peacefully. Their time, by own choice, is over here and we have to respect that. Don't get me wrong, I know many of them well, but if they have enough aeronautics, then that's it. That's their decision. If they leave, let them leave and embrace the new players that their absence opens space for. Nothing stays the same forever, this community will change, so let's make the best of it.
Thank You,
Nimravus