Ugh, horrible, horrible decision. I'm with you Carl, Emmerdale is losing its flavour with me as well. There's still a lot to enjoy and I wouldn't stop watching anytime soon, though. It's just sad, really. This takes away my dream of ever seeing Scott again.
What makes me even angrier is that he forcing the Hazel/Jackson on us, plus this drug story is a miss since Sohpie Powles isn't dynamic or endearing, neither is Natalie Robb. Then there's the affair storyline which just doesn't make any sort of sense to me.
Really, the only big story to truly tune in for is the Wydle/Lamb drama and that's coming to an end.
Like you said, this makes me fear who else Bylth would get rid of ... Val, VICTORIA (who seems to just be used as a constant prop for others, most notably dull Hannah.), Gennie, Terry, and maybe even Alan and Betty at this point.