Nowhere in any episode did it say that Yelina had 6 months off. I don't know where you are getting that from. Maybe if you can tell me what episode that was I can watch it again. Yelina didn't even come along until after Megan had left and Ray was "killed" long before Megan's husband was. Maybe Yelina didn't need that much time off because she did have a son to raise. But as Speed said, Megan chose to take 6 months off because 2 weeks wasn't enough time. After all she did watch her husband fall from a balcony and die. I'm sure they were sympathetic to her wanting more time but life does go on. And from what I have seen, she did take the time off because of her loss and she didn't just up and leave without a word. If that was the case they never would have let her come back at all.
I don't think it was right the way she left. If she had the nerve to come back to work she should have had the nerve to confront Horatio in person to tell him she was leaving. It was kind of lame to just leave a letter with Paula to give to Horatio. Horatio, Speedle, and Eric had tried to get in touch with her all day. They said she wasn't answering her cell phone either. If her and Speedle were so close, why didn't she tell him she was leaving. That's not the way friends do each other.
The question of whether it was fair or not is really pointless now since it has been so long. That is a question that will never be answered and we can only speculate.
Horatio did take her place while she was on leave. Who knows why it wasn't temporary. Maybe they never expected Megan to come back. Maybe they just did what they are required to do. It's not really an issue anymore. That was over 3 years ago. Also, it was an easy way to say how Horatio got the LT job.
As much as everybody wants, she is not coming back. Just like Speedle is not coming back.
Just remember, it's Ann D and her pen of destruction that causes all of this. She is part of the writing team. The show was created with Horatio as the lead. Megan wasn't even in the crossover episode with Vegas. I don't even think they had a storyline for her at the beginning. In the pilot episode "Golden Parachute" all that was ever mentioned was Speedle telling her "Welcome back". They never said where she was until the 4th episode "Losing Face", which they decided to show 2nd. Probably to explain where she was.
I loved the episode where her and Delko get the harpoons and bring them back to the lab. The talks between her, Delko, Speed, and Calleigh were funny.
Speed: Did you miss me Megan? and Delko acting a little jealous. Calleigh was hilarious when she wanted to trade for the spears. And Speedle holding up the undies..those were some funny moments.
I just didn't like it when she questioned Horatio's authority or told the other CSI's what to do. I guess she had a hard time with the fact that she wasn't in charge anymore. It did surprise me when Horatio got the note that she resigned. I didn't watch Season 1 until Season 2 was almost over so I knew Kim left the show but I didn't know when and I didn't know how.
Ann D has a habit of not following through with stories. Megan's departure, Speed's death, Tyler leaving, Dan Cooper replacing Tyler.
Also, I'm glad you liked the banner and avatar. I'm going to make some more whenever I get time. I'll PM them to you.