as Nick put perfectly, he is a purist who did not like anything from the Drew era, so why would he change now?
Except I said no such thing (and would never have visited four tapings with Drew as host if that were the truth). Believe me, I had high, high hopes for what the show could become post-Barker. I'm disappointed that many of those hopes were dashed.
There have been several things that have happened post-Barker that I've been quite happy to see (e.g., the announcer being on camera, the models finally becoming practically permanent cast members again). They've also been far more open about acknowledging the history of the show in ways that do not specifically include Bob Barker (e.g., "milestone" pricing game playings, mentioning retired games, etc.). I would say, though, that it seems every time they try something, they always take it too far (e.g., the announcer being on camera is nice, but the obligatory greeting of him and his shoutout to his mother
every episode is a bit much). There's a perception that they need to "do" things to keep the show engaging (e.g., themed episodes) when the formula for Price's success was largely in part due to its stability and familiarity.
As I've said, the biggest issue with the show now is that it's too rushed because CBS has cut too much time away from it for even more advertisements.
As for Drew sticking with the show, Drew is paid an enormous sum of money for a light work schedule. It's a gig to keep for as long as you can if you're lucky enough to get it, and he has been one of the lucky ones. What surprises me is how he hasn't used his exposure at Price to launch another sitcom or do comedy tours all those weeks of the year the show isn't taping, something that would seem to me far more in line with his interests and abilities.
From CBS's perspective, they have a working formula for Price to turn a profit with the host they have in the dying medium that is broadcast television. As long as it continues to work, they'll keep him.
