Sooo....the producers had everything planned out you say...except for when cast members quit...or wanted too much money to return...or got arrested for DWI....or....
i don't think anyone has said "everything was 100% according to an original plan." there have obviously been changes and new elements, with "ben" being the most notable variable, amongst other aspects like different episode totals, contract renewals, actor quirks, and writer's strikes.
but i don't think that changes the idea that there were overall show and season arcs and plot points.
