Josh said:
2) Unlike the typical routine, the format for WWDC was much different, with Steve taking an unusual amount of breaks, splitting up his time with 3 other new faces.
3) These "new faces," unlike other guest speakers, were internal Apple employees.
As much as we like Stevenotes, objectively thinking it's good idea to "use" other people as well. Right now SJ == Apple. And lets face it, Steve is getting older. It makes smart to groom other execs to take his place. If he didn't do that, the moment he retires/dies would be the moment Apple dies. Obviously he or we don't want to see that happening.
What would I like to see? The young guy (VP of platform experience?) did a great job handling the keynote. He was funny, smooth and charismatic. I could easily see him handling more keynotes in the future, together with Phil Schiller (zzzzzzzz......). Serlet... He MIGHT be a good person to hold keynotes... In French. In English, I just can't get past his accent.
Maybe SJ put Serlet and the young guy on stage to see how they handle it. Serlet flunked, whereas the "other dude" passed with flying colours. Schiller was there because.... well, he's always there.