One has to devote oneself to a particular pursuit. To be successful at anything, you have to make a total commitment to it.
In the end, my reasons for moving down the timeline and introducing a new cast have more to do with keeping myself entertained, on the assumption that if I get bored, my readers are going to be even more bored.
When I retired in 2002 I had retired to stay home with my family and didn't necessarily think my playing days were over.