You're completely right that the problem was as more political theater than concern over the court function.     And I would hope you would see the effort to NOT replace him as much of the same.   Statute says there should be nine justices, it doesn not mention political ideology. 

I think both of us would be happy seeing this as a less partisan process?    It's a joke to say the President, any modern President, isn't beholding to his/her political party.   Unlike the framers image, the executive branch is not independent of the congress, or more specifically, the executive branch has become a highly partisan post supported by the money funneled through The Party connections.