To Chris, re Joel Crothers,
Back in the archives of the old Board, someone had posted this very interesting magazine interview that was done with Joel in 1969. In the interview he gave several reasons for why he had left Dark Shadows. I honestly think it was a combination of things, plus maybe he wanted a little more money and he got that with his next job. I'm not sure about that. Anyhow, it is a very interesting interview; among other things, he discusses the scripts he wrote while he was on the show. I think this interview may be the only print source where that is documented.
If you email the Mysterious Benefactor, he may be able to locate the old scan of that article. He's a busy man and I can't guarantee that he will have the tiime to look, but, if anybody could find, he could! Alas, I failed to keep a copy of the original post. You could also post a topic to the Current Chat board headlined Joel Crothers Interview (or similar) and see if any of the fans currently registered might have a copy they could share.
FWIW, I do think the character of Joe got more interesting towards the end, until he turned totally loony-tunes, I mean. Some of his scenes with KLS after Joe's breakup with Maggie were among the best work both of them did in the series, IMNSHO.
Best,
Steve