just lost best picture oscar because of that

One has to mention the successful "cross-polinatination" that Bell and company engineered when they brought over a presumed dead ( supporting / villainous) character - sheila carter, portrayed by Kimberlin Brown - from Y&R to B&B, where she - and audiences - enjoyed quite a long run, bringing many new viewers to…

it's a good change. The "new" ridge is a stronger more versatile actor - imho

AA wasn't desperate ( had established himself and was comfortable financially ) so he could afford to turn it down ( not that Patel was 'desperate' , just less known/established). It's hard to turn down roles sometimes. props to him. There are limits.