I will vouch for Steve taking time off. I have been around him since GLB1 and we all take small breaks, and the amount of time Steve was on GLB he needed to step away. This isn't the first time he has done this in the last few seasons. The first time I would say is when he put Madden in control of the Stunners, prior to that he ran 100% of things, that is why you saw him in the forums more. Sadly I have to say if you have a family I would 'STRONGLY' suggest sometimes just walking away. I probably spent more hours than I care to admit on this site playing a game (which imo involves forums/scout tool/etc...) I have vested interest in my time where most do not.
Steve is one of those agents who when they do lose, accept at times its RNG. Think of it this way, he ran Dookie Island for 2-3 seasons while Madden was running his team. It was only until this season he didn't run Dookie. There were a few times he and I played each other and since I am a GM on Dookie as well, I knew he added custom books and tactics for me, so he tried to an extent and never was beat down after a loss.
There are some agents who do take this game serious and I do believe Steve does care, and tries hard when he is here, but I know for a fact he didn't leave because of the loss. As Peeti you mentioned, timing was the only thing keeping the conversation interesting

Also.... Default Name beat the Vet team, to keep this thread on topic
