That journal post is in the thread link I posted. I know he isn't completely gone, just switching off-site admin stuff. I only post this just in case people weren't aware that his role on the site is changing.
If he were to completely sever his ties with Gaia, I'm sure Chibi would be the first person the post about it here and let us all know.
Some people in that thread were flipping out, but I still think Gaia has a lot to offer if you ignore the "GC IN YO FAYSE" stuff. I'm not worried that Lanzy's mode shift might affect Gaia since I'm here for the activities with my pals.
*side note*
Happen to see the really raunchy thread in the GCD saying Gaia people are...well...you know that thing with a bag? I thought that thread was so ignorant and rude. But, free speech and all...*shrug*
*seriously, the mods could stand to deal with that stuff a bit better I think*