beginning early in season play. Perhaps it had to do with school/life or role/minutes — or probably some of both. But between the crazy Portal situation & with Lohner leaving & opening up opportunities for Seneca — I think Pope was perhaps successful in getting him to reconsider & stay. But if I remember right, that initial post-season decision to stay was confirmed AFTER Gideon had agreed to return, so Gideon's return wouldn't have been the factor that caused Seneca's sudden change of heart.

I'm fine with understanding Seneca simply had his reasons. Which were likely personal in nature. Same with Lohner. Gideon's reasons were perhaps more complicated — but that situation was rather quickly resolved somehow, so I could care less about the details. I originally thought it had something to do with his sponsors pushing him towards avenues for better pay & opportunities, but I think the evidence is pretty clear now that that was never the issue.