Not really almost gone
I read the board fairly frequently (think, most days) and I post about as frequently as MA or Fox and several other lefties that I respect. I don't exactly ignore the more prolific posters but I usually feel no incentive to reply.
I don't think Robert wants anyone to go, but there are a few that would like for this to become another mindless liberal circle jerk. Screw them, they are mostly ignored by the better thinkers on the left as well as the right.
I have no certainty as to why Fox is mad but I suspect he will be back sooner or later and I will always be sitting at his table in this pub.