Smallville season 8 casting !!

According to Ausiello, "Everyone is expected to return for Season 8 except — wait for it, wait for it — Michael Rosenbaum and Kristen Kreuk. I'll give you a second to catch your breath. [Beat] Sources close to the show tell me that both actors have informed producers that they don't intend to return as series regulars next season. However, they are open to doing limited engagements, and those details are being worked out as we speak."
Ok, nothing very surprising concerning Michael Rosenbaum since he had already said a while ago that he would not be returning to Smallville should the show get picked up for an 8th season ! I'm a little more surprised about Kristin Kreuk who, to my knowledge, hadn't said any thing about a possible departure. But at the same time, let's remember that Lana is barely a part of the mythology. It's all about Lois and Clark. And since Clark is starting to get older, it works for the storyline that she disapears !
That being said, and despite her slightly over-dramatic performance, I really Kristin Kreuk and the character of Lana, and I'll miss her ! Plus, although I like Durance's performance as Lois, I think they could have picked a better looking actress who looks a little more like the previous Loises ! But maybe that was an intentional choice on their part. Anyway, we'll see where it's going, but with Lana gone, I'm guessing we'll go straight to the mythology and the making of Superman.