Steve Inskeep was pretty rough on Grover this morning on NPR

[Orrex]

6. I recall that some on DU2 identified Edwards' departure as the beginning of the end

I'm not quite willing to credit him with that much impact or influence, rather seeing him as someone who got out when the network was already on the downward slope.

As you note in your link, though, NPR is still capable of greatness. This American Life remains a fantastic show, and Fresh Air is almost always excellent.

On balance it's better to have NPR than not to have it, but sometimes the shortfalls are so disappointing that it's hard to overlook them.