Agreed. He has radio talent for sure. I miss his evening show and what I've heard from him during the day isn't the same - he needs to not be tied to Sal. Pairing with Jeremy will be better for him.
I don't think Howard is well into retirement age if he is retirement age at all. I would bet he's burnt out beyond repair and is only retiring from radio. I haven't heard him talk about it on air, though, so I don't know what he's said publicly. Nice guy who's been beat down by a horrible business. I hope he enjoys his freedom now that he's claimed it.