The thing is, Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe) is pregnant, and will leave the show on maternity leave (which may be the return to NY???), so Chloe has to be written out.
The thing is, there are so many talented, experienced actors from cancelled soaps, out there. Tis a shame they are not used well. Yes, the writing for new characters certainly has not been up to par. But, once upon a time, Steve & Kayla were new characters, as was Brady, Philip, Jack, Shane, Adrienne, Belle, Shawn, Chloe, Kristen, Chad, Gabi, Abby, JJ, etc.
However, I know many soap actors are no longer in the L.A. area, having relocated to other areas, and reluctant to travel constantly, or pay the extra rental expenses with living arrangements.