In other words -
I could never replace Tom Petty. But Lindsey Buckingham? No sweat.
Well, regardless of that faux pas, I'm glad he's bailing after this tour (if that is indeed true). He knows he's not really a member Fleetwood Mac, and given the chance to make music with his REAL band, the Heartbreakers - of course he's going to leap at it.
Get out as soon as you can, Mike! Don't spend years trapped in this travesty of a band! You can still toss Stevie a couple of instrumental tracks from a safe distance, if she ever wants to make new music again.
They might as well save their money and hire a sideman to fill the gap. Even the biggest name won't be able to fill Lindsey's shoes, and the ones who are really worth their salt won't want to attach themselves to FM anyway.
Or maybe they'll keep Mike in the band and let him tour concurrently!