This has been part of the challenge, for sure. I've written about it here before, [1] but it's difficult. One of the reasons I'm seeking what he sought is that I think what he was doing was valuable. So it's hard not to follow in his footsteps a little, while also trying to make it my own.
Shoes is actually going through these kinds of growing pains at the moment. Shoes 4 is going to be some pretty big changes, and possibly a totally-near re-write. It's hard to do, but sometimes, a break with the past is good for you...
"Do not follow in the footsteps of _why, seek what he sought."