He's just being phased out a little slower, ripping the bandaid off doesn't help the Pokemon company
I guarantee you he'll be gone by year 30
You know a old saying goes i guess is:
Rumors are just rumors they really don't need to be real on Ash leaving meaning hey everyone can choose to what they themselves believe in and not the opposite way you know.
Meaning do i believe Ash'll stick around maybe longer? Yes til we all know when ever he decides to be ready to retire and some one else takes over that role for Ash but hey that can be the future can't it?
Meaning do i believe Ash'll be here more then 30 years plus years from now? Answer yes. I mean really him leaving would just put anew person for his role as protagonist and since he's been here for " How long? " i don't see that happening at least not anytime soon.
As for this rumor it's just fake meaning i've chosen what's real what isn't.. - More like a small gain of salt if you will...
Meaning Hey just be who you are and believe what you believe in and shape your future. Not the opposite alright?
So you know live your dream make it real - make sense? - And true yeah it doesn't help the company really.