Well, truth be told, NBC is in trouble financially with their daytime lineup. Passions is consistantly at the bottom of the ratings and DAYS has lost viewers thanks to JER. They have fixed that problem and hired a new writer, but it's going to take some housecleaning to get DOOL back on track.
Additionally, I hate to say it...but to get Marybeth Evans and Stephen Nichols to reprise their roles as Kayla and Patch, probably cost some money. In a time when stars are being asked to take paycuts.....it makes no sense. FOr heavy hitters like those two, DOOL HAS to be paying a bundle.
PLUS...I can't for the life of me figure out why they hire people like James Scott to create a role like EJ, especially when his last role over on AMC never really caught on. I personally don't like the guy much and if they don't start giving us some history or something...I'm going to care less about him.
In light of all that.....there just isn't the money for everyone and some need to be cut.
Most fans..in their hearts...believe Sami belongs with Luca anyway...so sending Carrie and Austin away together makes sense I guess.