As a general rule, dynamic organizations like the CF do not do well if the leadership, however good, is left in place too long.
Many of us would have dearly loved to have stayed in a command position for years and years. I suspect General Hillier is thoroughly enjoying himself, as I think he did every time he commanded anything: troop, squadron, regiment, brigade, the army, and ISAF. I also suspect that he knows that the CF will benefit from a change of command: new ideas and new methods will come with a new CDS, just as they did when he took over.
A generation ago some smart, forward looking officers identified some excellent people like Findley, Hillier, Natynczyk and Robertson and ‘streamed’ them through the system. They are, I am sure, doing the same for some bright, aggressive commanders and colonels today.
General Hillier will, I hope, retire while he is still ‘at the top of his game’ and he will, I also hope, be replaced by a solid, skilled professional.