what does it mean to be away from similar worlds?

In my experience, they DO eventually come back. If they did not intend to do so, they would close their accounts!

If you look at their profile page, and if it has been many years since they were last here, then it is likely that they have died. Questionweaver is a case in point. Budwick, also, has probably passed on.

I never really understood the formal need to be away. Just don't come here until you feel like it.

Yah sometimes!

Sorry, I drifted off for a moment there.. I'm back

Some do; I have friends on here that don't come here often and send me a message, and we have a catch-up chat.

Some do.. just means they weren't happy with it at the time for whatever reasons bad interactions or no interactions usually

they've disabled their account. they could come back. I couldn't begin to guess on the conversion/abandonment rate might be.

Many see it as a form of reincarnation.

some, but not all

If they didn’t delete their accounts, then yes, it’s possible.