I read the same news on Daytime Confidential, where the comments section got so heated that the webmaster had to close the comments temporarily to let the arguments die down (and to delete whole sections of the commentary). I never thought RP Watkins was "all that," but he was serviceable as an actor and believable in the role. I think more people are angered by the perception that the producers are picking the wrong people to fire in service of the return of Steve Burton.
The re-directing of Dillon into a love story with Kiki--after the disastrous Lulu/Dillon/Dante/Valerie story--was an instance of making lemonade out of lemons, since both actors needed a good story and they work (and look) well together. I also liked the easy chemistry between Dillon and Ned, which ought to be natural for on-screen brothers but doesn't always come across between actors. I'm as protective of the Qs as most people are, but you can't say they are a core family any more. Tracy's departure was the end of that "old guard" of Quartermaines. Ned and Olivia are too young to be patriarch/matriarch material. (BTW: I read conflicting reports that Lisa LoCicero may or may not even be on contract any more).
I also can't find definite word, but several have also said that the actress who plays Valerie is no longer on contract, but will continue to appear occasionally. She was on so rarely that I often forgot she was in town. Seeing her interactions with Kristina yesterday reminded me that any problem with Valerie is the fault of the writers and not the actress, who is quite good.
