Another point I'd like to add, to make sure people see it and not just scan through my previous post, is that if Misty was such a HUGE part of the first like..8 seasons, then when she left she has only returned like 5 times. So if that's the case, how often do you think a sub-plot character will return? My bet is at most 1 time. If it's any more than that, the show's gone down the drain.
Arcanine out.