your name hasn't been taken in vein, dunno where you get that from. I only quoted you as you made a valid point that you were lucky enough to be retired, that was all. Just missed Stafford? You missed much more than Stafford and Thorne throughout the 80's and 90's, many of todays top nighter sounds are Stafford era spins, that you can't get away from but thats another debate. But I do understand your reasons for being away from the scene for so long and would never question why you left or anyone else did for thast matter, the fact of the matter you and many like you came back.
Most of the comments about how all-nighters are the real thing seem to be from those who have had time away. I am not having a go at those who had years away either but the point I was making was how would those who have been away from the scene for years, coming back when financially they are better off, mortgage paid, kids grown up etc etc, feel about all-nighters if they had done them without a break for over 20 odd years as many have, with a job, kids and a mortgage to hold down, as I said it takes it out of you. The same question to Simon and others like him who have been away in the Army and not all-nighter regulars.
As I said much of the music played at all-nighters has been around for years and that with few exceptions has been played at allnighters for years, thats everywhere, it might be different for you and others who have had time away but for many who haven't been away it isn't different, maybe thats why there is some apathy towards all-nighters from many.