I think the original post is largely right in its advice but I think your perspective on the longer term results is also very interesting. The fact that it too

I think the original post is largely right in its advice but I think your perspective on the longer term results is also very interesting. The fact that it took from 2007 to 2011 for the mass exodus indicates that the OP actually did OK and I wouldn't overly blame him for the events a couple of years after he left although maybe his succession planning wasn't bullet proof. Throwing yourself in fully may not always be possible but if there is an opportunity it could be worth a try. You can always shrink back to minimum effort code maintenance through your lock in period if it doesn't work.