Since you seem intent on drawing in-game conclusions from out of game reality, let me point out that Avalon is a second, subservient world to another, more important reality - one that sometimes intrudes and makes demands on the players of this game. The absence of certain people is, I can assure you, most directly influenced by the outside world and the demands it has put on them. Such junkies as them can't be driven away by ANYTHING in game.

Written by my hand on the 21st of Midsummer, in the year 1140.