End of an Era...or is it?

Well the time of regeneration is upon us and its not long until an alarmingly large chunk of the ken will go back to their various homes where they can indulge in sleeping more than an inch from the floor, not being traumatise daily by insects and freakish weather and not being demanded to discuss "what do you like food" on a daily basis. Sounds refreshing eh. On the other hand they won't be the eternal cherished guest, get to witness breathtaking scenery everyday or have a conbini within reach to gorge on onigiri, crazy toys, fabulous ice cream (and manga porn.)
Seenas theres only a certain amount of interest your freinds and family have in a completely different lifestyle and future jobs are unlikely to relate (would you get koncho-ed working in Marks and Spencers? Dont think so) I have to ponder: Where does the JET experience actually go?
I recently remarked that next year will be totally different as there'll be a new crowd and someone (not sure who, kirin clouds my memory) said that the onslaught of JETs isnt too different every year, attracting a certain array of university-educated adventurous types. Gaijin by numbers.
Going home may be scary and weird and unsettling but an experience like this should make you able to take on anything-Teletubbies back to back, Neighbours twice a day, tramps pissing on you in the street, chips gravy and peas, its all yours for the taking ;) Of course people fade away and not everyone will keep in touch and remain buson buddies. But there was ace times to be had and true moments of self-discovery for everyone I'm sure. (Even if that discovery was that you hate japan.) No matter how hazy or distorted, that image remains.
All of these factors make the experience all the more precious and special and, at the risk of getting sentimental (I'll save that for the upcoming leavers partys and last goodbyes) there are certain characters who could never get replaced. Despite my renedering of the JET personalities (or lack of) the newbies have shoes to fill of Sideshow Bob proportions.