How is good for the story to setup a choice that it pretends is unclear when the result seems obvious? I’m not saying Sabellion returning is bad writing. I’m saying the story acting like he might become the new aspect is.
All these things are possible without the poorly handled “competition” that acts like Sabellion might be a viable candidate. Because of how it was setup, it seems glaringly obvious to the audience that that has no tension or suspense.