I loved the Christmas episode when Luke was running around inviting everyone to his house. He's been too dark and sad for too long, they need to bring his spark back. It brought a tear to my eye as he stood out on the porch telling his "angel" it was all for her.
As far as getting rid of alot of veterans, I think that stinks. I like some of the young actors, but some I don't. (like Sage, Yuk!) I don't like Sam. I think she looks like she's in kindergarten! Sorry, jmo.
I did see some soap stars agent interviewed on Soap talk and he said that the daytime soaps are really struggling and need to lighten their salary loads if they are to survive another 5 years. He said that if a reality show ever comes on during the day, it will be the death of the soaps, because the reality shows are so cheap to make.