look, i hate to be pessimistic, but it shouldnt be surprising if steve is out of nevermore. his health comes before anything and if he isnt able to tour, then common sense tells you that having a lead guitarist who cant tour just wouldnt work. nevermore is a job. i mean, i love steve and what he's done with nevermore...his work on the last album was completely ass kicking and total ownage. plus, though chris is an awesome player, steve just kicks more ass on stage in my opinion.
so, steve hasnt said anything about it, nevermore hasnt said anything about it, for the past, what, 2 years almost? or a year and a half? i know that id be pretty surprised if steve returned to nevermore anytime in the future....and i hope that he does. but, we'll find out eventually.