Steve
My only issue with what you post is you are taking quotes and weaving them into something else. The band wanted to remain relevant and when they did press conferences they said things that were wishful thinking about their future. Stevie said in 1983 she was going to make a country album next. Chris said in 1984 she had such fun doing her solo album she was going to do another. I doubt her album 20 years later was the same album. With Chris finishing her house, quitting touring, and wanting to get back to England, she may truly meant she intended to record with the band in 1993. After the earthquake and her wanting to get back there could have changed her mind about that. Fleetwood Mac no longer included both Lindsey and Stevie. Stevie originally said she would still record with the band too. Then the Silver Springs fight happened and she was out. Chris did not want to record Time and only did so for loyalty to the band so Warner would let it happen. When your own record company is hesitant to let you do an album shows what they thought of this Time lineup.
If you dont think 1996 was the darkest of days for the Mac then when would you say it was? 1992 had the Dont Stop campaign song and Out of The Cradle released. 1993 had them on TV at the inaugural and perform at the Superbowl. 1994 Stevie was on tour and released a solo album. 1995 had them releasing an album. 1996 was crickets. No doubt that right after the Eagles reunion tour there was chatter about a reunion, would it not be great to get the 5 back? But this was the wrong time. The Mac needed to completely burn out and have those forgotten years to make it happen. You really think Chris would have said, sure I will tour again (after leaving for how much she hated it) just give me a year or two. I really doubt it was offered and is probably a good thing it was not because she would have shot it down. I also remember after the inaugural performance the band was bombarded with questions....are you guys getting back together and they were firm that they were not reuniting. I would take those quotes with the same grain of salt as the ones you are quoting. I just remember being bummed out after shooting down any reunion talk. Lindsey's long awaited solo album was waiting the wings for him. In Mick's last book he expresses regret forcing the Mac to continue on during those lean years. Time while not horrible is on an album list at #10 of the worst albums ever recorded.
This is my long distance dedication to you Steve:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-qcqn2yiN4