i've watched a lot of holmes films that have convinced me holmes and watson are friends in an hour and a half or less, so i don't think length of time has ever been the reason that sherlock failed to convince. it's just the ethos of the show.

i know people love blaming moff for all of its many failings but frankly it's gatiss who i think is the worse problem, since moff on his own has written some incredible pieces of television and gatiss... has not. they clearly brought out the worst in each other for this season though. (yes, i watched it. you made the right choice in bailing).