I always hoped she'd stay though, my two fave riders on the same team
but I think she would have been a good road captain for Vollering, Labous and Muzic, whilst still offering a plan B in their races and certainly still strong enough to lead without them.
Tbh I don't see what she or CanyonSram gain from joining up, I'd still rank Kasia despite her wins this year, and CUL as pretty equal in terms of outright ability and what they bring to a team.
And why would Kasia demand she was signed as a condition of signing herself ?, CUL is not like some super domestique, she's used to riding as a lead rider in lots of the same races Kasia was also lead rider.