It's true no one is forcing anyone to stay or leave, but my opinion (which I assume many disagree with) is the "honored guest" type folks should be given some additional leeway -- i.e., special treatment.
I think most here would agree with this...especially in this case. Those who have actual credentials and don't have a consistent record of abusing their status in the community should be given leeway if they ever get out of line (ie break a board rule or mouth off to an unruly poster). As CD stated, "Stephen brought no toxicity to this board." - he did nothing but consistently bring his wonderful knowledge, stories, and sometimes personal mixes to share with this community...it's a fact, that.
Yeh I suppose it's akin to somehow having Mike Love posting on the board ... sharing his insights into the recording of Wild Honey, and mentioning that Brian was doing too many drugs at the time ... then everyone piling up on him about the drug comment ... meanwhile, we lose the Wild Honey stories!