Yo, full respect for your openness and honesty.

I've been away from the fandom for some time. I watch the latest episodes here and then. Didn't enjoy Season 6, much, but I did enjoy Season 7 a lot more. The initial explosion and fever that happened when it started can't be redone, but I still like the direction things have gone, all things considered. I think the show still holds to its core values.

But yeah, trends come and go. I'd still say I'm a fan, but there's no harm in taking time to do other things in life. 

I feel ya. I've made a point of coming and going from the franchise several times over the nearly 8 years (7.5 now, phew!) of this incarnation of MLP. I sat myself down this morning and watched the S8 premiere, and I definitely enjoyed it. I'll take a look at episodes 3-5 later, maybe tomorrow or the day after (I'm off work for a few days).

I remember the early days fondly (I stumbled upon it on February 10/11, 2011, iirc), when this thing was bright and shiny and new. The enthusiasm was boundless. New fans were joining everyday. We boarded our covered wagons and set off into the wild unknown. Do I wish I could go back and experience it like that again? Sure I do! Those were some good times, but those are past. Not that pony isn't good anymore - in fact, I think the episodes have only gotten better and better - but that it isn't new anymore. Still, the S8 premiere is hinting subtly at future changes, and I'm curious and excited to see what G5 will be when it rears its head in the next few years.