I think it's better to have your personal life and your work life separate. That way they don't corrupt each other, so to speak.
Not that I wouldn't have been equally happy to see the old buddies and see it all start up again that way. But this was more of a work situation, and a very good one.
It's time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I'd much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure.