My opinion here, is that whoever takes over for Steve needs to not try to be a replacement. Anyone that's watched Dr Who knows, the new Doctor is not trying to be an imitation or replacement. They're completely fresh. Apple would benefit from this, but Steve has a very specific successful magic that is for the most part unparalleled anywhere in the 'biz, so finding someone with a fresh new image that has that same magic could be next to impossible.
So, copycat is the safe way, but not the best way...
