I'd rather stay with the main story than the side story. I oftenlt skip side characters POV. because honestly I don't care. it isn't bad when there are mass releases but overall I think most prefer the main plot
he might not of died. if I recall correctly the cancer was caught in time. he also had several family members pass. He said he was going to keep pushing but then poofed. most of his loyal followers are hoping he makes a come back