That would be fine if he was a lone wolf and nobody supported his vision, or if his whole org moved out with him.

Several of his “lieutenants” are following, actually.

His successor Stephen Lemay has exactly the kind of pedigree a person who cares about UI could ask for. There's a lot to be optimistic about. https://daringfireball.net/2025/12/bad_dye_job

I have no idea what's going on but Apple is an extremely top down place. Its entirely possible that Apple pivots on a dime after the departure of the baffoon.