Back when "reddit.com" was a subreddit. I remember the thread (you can still visit it today) regarding his early departure. And how Aaron and spez didn't really want to disclose the "real reason". But, it saddens me how the public viewed his contributions as complete nil in result of no full disclosure (Aaron did simply state corporate life (post acq.) was not for him, but everyone says that).
Especially during times like this when the same batch of Aaron's year (Altman, Huffman, etc) are pushing closed source thoughts. We need Open Access civics, like Aaron again.
Guys like Aaron will always be forced out by guys like Steve because guys like Aaron don't want to be assholes, which is a necessity guys like Steve have no issue with.