As much as I miss Arrested Development, I'm glad it ended when it did. I'd hate to see it become unfunny and shell of its former self almost all shows do if they are on long enough.
The British do it right. Look at The Office. British version, 14 brilliant episodes and it was over. Nothing ever diminished it. American version. 2-3 brilliant seasons, 3-4 average at best seasons. They have turned one of the best shows on TV into something that is almost unwatchable.