I don't think he cares about that kinda stuff. And if he did, he'd say that it was a coincidence!
Also, don't think about those characters as "gone"! Think about them as "on an extended vacation to Waffle Hawaii." That's where Sonic goes when he's not in Sonic Universe. He and Tails go there to get some delicious pineapple waffles! Don't forget Waffle Hawaii's awesome Hula Syrup!
Also from the reception: CHOKE ON YOUR WAFFLES. LET THE TROPICAL BREAKFAST GOODNESS CONSUME YOU, AND YOU'LL EAT MORE FATTENING WAFFLES WITH THE VOLCANO GOD! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *cough*
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What? Jon Gray can do it, why can't I?