I think the reason that so many are in a rush to replace the airship is that most see it's retirement as premature.

The membership of an internet forum is not like that of a real life organization. The old guard did not serve a set term as a slate, they all left as their individual circumstances dictated. New members do not join as a group once a year, they join in drips and drabs on a daily basis. In this regard any line between old members and new members is a very blurry one indeed.

I like most of CDNSushi's ideas. One thing I think we need to remember is that the little wooden airship was a durable product. Anything that is going to be packed and shipped around the world will need to be just as durable.

As for it not being an airship, well let us remember that even Goodyear has sailed multiple airships. So let us not discount the idea of a second generation blimp out of hand. Perhaps this one could be named something different, maybe the Dandelion (although I don't get the reference as it relates to this forum).