Looking at the Band: Peggy is 76, Simon is 73, Ric 71, Chris 67 and DM 76. DM made it clear a while back that he isn't a permanent band member (although that may have changed, but hasn't been announced) and if Fairport are to continue, he will surely eventually need to be replaced. New blood may well be a good idea, it may change a few things. However, with good health, they can continue a while yet, Jagger and Richards are 80, after all!
That's a topic all of its own. I think we're many years past the point at which the band could continue with new members, simply because the lineups have been too stable for too long (if you see what I mean).
I agree. I think it was a good idea when Simon originally said that Fairport could carry on with gradually changing members. But changing them all at once is unlikely to work - look what happened when Ashley tried that with the Albions. You get a good band of young 'uns, but they also want to have their own careers, so the Albion Band franchise has now disappeared, probably forever (though I'm sure many of us would be happy to see a reunion of the '77-78 Albions for one last blast while they are still all around).
