I did see it this morning - but I didn't have time to fix it.
To answer one of your take on one of them leaving. For me the only one that could leave and the show still surviving would be Ian
That is if the show runners still think Stefan and Elena are the epic love story to be told.
If Paul leaves I am out too - then no more TVD.
If they end up having to offer one of them more money I seriously doubt they offer the same to the other two if they already signed - they pulled that stunt on Twilight!