So here is the story on Rowlf. I was apperntly wrong in thinking that they where going to kerp him silent. That was just a rumor. At the time the Muppet preformers just did not feel they had anyone who could do the character justice. Which is more understandable when you consider that Rowlf and Dr. Theeth both have very unique voices.
http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Rowlf_the_Dog
I think with Kermit the recasting had to be quick both with Steve and with Matt, because he is the face of the franchise.
Now that the first concert is over with here is what we know.
Peter Linz has taken Lips and Link.
David Rudman has taken Beaker
Eric Jacobson has taken The Newsman
Matt Vogel has taken Kermit.
I got to be honest I heard some of Matt and Kermit last night and I can understand why people hear Jim. Apparently Matt did a great job with "Rainbow Connection" and the crowd seemed to respond quit well.
Now I said this in the other thread, but I'm really not upset with the quick recasting of Lips. The reason being is that Steve really did not do much with the character, and now maybe Peter can develop him more then Steve ever has.
So it looks like Disney, The Muppet Studios, and the Muppets have moved on to bigger and maybe even better things without Steve. Only time will tell.