Forgive my snicker at this comment... after all, isn't this entire site "inside baseball"? I mean, I've seen pages of debate on fonts used on-screen! LOL!
As for the rest, you certainly make a fair point. But I respectfully disagree. As a broadcaster, myself, I can tell you first hand that older viewers/listeners are laser focused on their favorite programs, especially those they trust to provide information. They tend to be far more critical and cognizant of absences than younger audiences. They are most sensitive to imbalance and will complain the loudest... these are actual relationships for some people. They are also now more adept and plugged into social media than you might realize.
I agree, but also disagree. Overall, this is a top team that doesn't need Sam (and trust me, I'm a BIG fan of his). But you might want to read the ongoing battlecry of viewers who are still asking for Bill Evans to return. Human attachment is what keeps these shows alive. It's all they have against the faster-feeding of digital content. If all they cared about was info, Bill Evans would have been forgotten in a few days. It's been six months and a LOT of viewers have not let go of his disappearance. And as terrific as Sam is (again, I'm a fan and prefer him to Bill), many would be happier to have Bill back.