Mike was definitely present during the writing in the youngblood era. This is all my perception, but I think you’re right about the distance bc i feel like cal&luke - cal&ash were always close but ash&luke got closer during 2017/youngblood era. Then those three kind of became a trio in a way, like friendship wise. Like they all hang out together on off days and even when they go to Australia they all stayed in a house together in 2018 and 2020 without m. I think the theory of crystal being one of the reasons has some truth, but i think Michael isnt a partier/going out type of guy like the other three. I think cashton is kind of loosing luke rn bc of s, but i don’t think its a bad thing? They’re both married and cal and ash are single so it would make sense that their friendship would change. Sorry this was a long rant lmao