I think a project that is to continue to be relevant for the long-term needs a vision, and that that comes from a leader. Once the leader is gone, the vision doesn't develop. At some point the original vision will no longer fit the changing circumstances around the project, and either a new leader and a new vision will emerge or the project will fade away (or both, if the new vision doesn't work).

On the other hand, if at some point the original vision is accepted by the mainstream, the project will be successful and popular for a while, the more so if it ceases to move on and develop its vision. Then at some point the project will fade away as the Next Big Thing arrives.

It's not always possible for a project born of one vision to adapt to a new reality - even if the leaders can foresee it perfectly - without starting afresh.

Given that, and that the skills and personality needed to "maintain" a mainstream project are different to those needed to develop and make concrete a vision, it's good that creators move on.

To me, Adrian and Jacob moving on is a sign of Django's settling into the mainstream. It'll stick around for a while, and then it will fade away. The Next Big Thing is on its way.

To Adrian and Jacob - I hope you enjoy your new ventures; and thanks.