I agree with a lot of what you said. However we don't know the details on Malhotra. He certainly wasn't "let go" (a term which implies he was fired). He was born in Mississauga. He has a home and family there. He could have left for more money. Bigger role. Better team.
I hated to see him go but there's a lot more evidence of Manny wanting to go than Benning kicking him out the door.