A couple of weeks ago there was a rumor reading something like: "a former young talent and now established racer back to the roots" - a lot where linking it to Loris Vergier. Now after Valis interviews it might just be Vali going back to YT
Depends on the discipline I would say. Gravity this might be true. XC specialized has a mich better balance between grip and rolling behavior than maxxis.
I agree on your point, that it does not necessarily stop them - at the end it is all money related. Nevertheless, Loris is featured quite a lot with Fox (clothing) and for him to change everything (team as well as clothing / protection / goggle) would also mean the contracts would have to be aligned or there will be...
Maybe the fast Frenchie to Trek is not Loris but either Amaury or Thibaut Daprela? Loris is an Oakley and Fox Clothing & Suspension rider - Trek runs SRAM/Rock Shox and 100%. Addionally I think that Amaury's contract extension might be quite expensive and with Myriam & Remi already on the team it might get hard to affort all 4...