Can't agree more. I really didn't want someone cast who would bugger off after a year, but clearly it was felt a Big Name was needed. And in fairness to Ecclestone, he never made any secret to the producers that he would only stay for a year. I still don't think changing lead actor so early is good for the show, and saying that it's good to introduce the audience to the concept of regeneration as soon as possible is just RTD making the best of the situation.