RE: Leaving it all behind and hanging up the bow for good.
I went trad cold turkey. I practiced all summer and didn't have the confidence to take my longbow in the woods so compounds it was for one more season. In 2002 I used a longbow but a compound a bit too. 2003 was all trad and will probably always be unless I find myself wounding/missing more than I should.
Archery is tough for me, I am not a natural. I can place in the top 10% when going to archery shoots, but still don't shoot very good IMO. Range is the key - closer the better. No 40-60 yard shots for me like compounders take (shots I can make with a compound anyway). I shoot 3-7 days a week in my backyard. Practice all year because I love shooting, I love the dicipline of shooting and trying to perfect my style.
Of course, theres always the thrill of shooting new bows !