I could not agree more. I was actually rather glad that she was leaving. Don't get me wrong, I think she's fantastic, but... well, it was getting old. And then Jenna Coleman said she wouldn't be leaving, and I kinda cried internally. She had a perfect exit -- the perfect exit -- and now we get at least one more season. She's had all the development she needs, IMHO, and I was hoping for another companion soon (like Osgood, maybe? ).
But that doesn't really dampen my excitement for season 9. Oh man, this Saturday's gonna be packed.