I think for the pros leaving AZ, a few factors came into play:
1) Many were trying to sell something, and that was all they were doing. No regular chatting with the forum except hit and run sell posts. When they didn't get a favorable response, they left. Others were trying to sell aiming systems. Well I don't need to say any more about that.
2) 15 years ago there were several on here. As FB launched and grew bigger, most moved to that platform. I think it helps build their "pro brand" much better than AZB. That is due to technology reasons in the way the platforms work. So a pro today trying to build the best visibility to increase their brand should go to FB and Youtube, IMO. Also on FB or youtube if things get out of hand, you can just delete the whole post. Here you can't.
3) I do think the pool knowledge on this forum is far and above higher than what is on youtube comments and FB posts. I think the pros want everyone to agree with them. That's what the fans do on FB and youtube, the fans look up to them and build their egos. Here, the pros were treated as one of the regular members, without special egos. And if a pro was ever disagreed with, he ran away. On youtube no one disagrees with them.
This has been my recollection over the past 15 years on here.
I would agree with most of this.
But some guys will alway kvetch about pros being chased off AZ when nothing could be further from the truth.
Lou Figueroa