I'm certainly new to U of I as a parent since 2013, so my time is very limited. I'm not an alumni and have no other connection to the school. I know Chief as been gone for 10 years and that's a very tough to those who are connected to the tradition. I can say after having attending tons of games, that his absence is a presence, which is kinda cool. I wish he was back for sure though.
But I have to say that with the removal of the War Chant, however small that might feel to some, it feels more and more like this university and its athletics have no identity. No common bond, no rallying cry, no singleness, no distinction that sets U of I apart. What fun is that in college? How can those in charge of trying to bring back crowds and enthusiasm make much progress if there's the ever present undercurrent of the past that's never really been dealt with?
Something like this has to exist for past, present and future student and fans. A long, slow fade of Chief and all that is associated with him is not a path. Either bring him back, guns a blazzin', or retire it all but have something in place to begin anew.