Question: I think it is time for me to move on from this stack. I joined originally as an experiment, as a way of better understanding the Stack Exchange model. I feel the experiment was a success, but part of the understanding I gained is that this model only works for certain subjects and writing isn't one of them. 

I seem to have written the same basic answers several dozen times now, and I realize that while in programming there are thousands of small algorithms to ask about, and an infinity of bugs to fix, when it comes to writing, there are really on a few general principles, and answering questions about writing really means showing how a particular principle applies to a particular piece of writing. And that just does not fit the question and answer format very well. 

Addressing writing problems works best as a back and forth about how general principles apply to particular texts -- both existing works and the works of the people facing the problems. But all of that is off topic here -- as it should be, since it does not fit the Q/A format. 

So, that's it. While I'm not saying you'll never see me here again (why slam the door on the way out?), for now it is so long and thanks for all the fish.

Answer: 
Mark, thanks for all the time, thought, and effort you've put into Writing.SE.

I'm very much in sympathy with your conclusions. Indeed, I've dialed back my own participation tremendously, for very much the same reasons.

What I am seeing is that the site feels healthier, more active, with questions seeing much more engagement and activity and variety, than it was a few years back. I definitely feel like we're much, much closer to the kind of critical mass we need for the site to be, pretty much, self-perpetuating. I strongly feel that your solid, helpful answers to so many questions has been a huge help in carrying the site forward to reaching critical mass.

Serious kudos, all the best, and I hope we'll be seeing you pop in when some questions do spark your interest :D
Although many members of this community have been helpful to me, I found your answers to be the most influential and insightful. I won't question your decision, but I will challenge your conclusion. 

a) Although many of the questions lend themselves to similar answers, I've gained a lot of additional insight even from reading your similar answers on multiple questions.

b) In terms of writing answers, I've also found my own answers improving, sometimes dramatically, over the course of answering similar questions repeatedly.

So I wouldn't agree that this format doesn't suit this topic, nor that there's nothing new to teach or learn here.