I tweeted him about a week after the pandemic started saying something to the effect of "bet you wish you'd held off quitting for a few more months!" implying that the work-from-home situation would have completely removed his issue with his insane commute, and he replied "mistakes were made." It's clear he didn't really want to leave but his commute/Jagex's inflexibility around work from home made it impossible for him to stay.
Yeah you got it! I really regretted leaving every time I thought about it, but in those moments you just have to get over it and move on. I never thought I'd have the chance to come back and yet here we are. Legit like a dream come true. I guess this year has had some positives, at least for me personally!