Al didn't create a void when he had to be replaced, because Jon still had someone who he could successfully co-write, co-compose, and co-front with. And now as a trio with no guitarist, he's paying the price for not including Hugh. Jon has tried to fill Richie's void with three guitarists, three songwriters and a fiddle player, but still has a ways to go. That's what I mean when I ask if he's "brave" enough to formally replace Richie and let the chips fall where they may.