5 year time jump (Spoilers Main)

What do you guys think about Martin’s initial plan to do a 5 year time skip? Do you think if he kept it, it would work out better for the story? Do you regret he decided not to do it?

Personally I am happy that he kept things as it is, because I feel like 5 year skip is kind of a cheap move which would just simplify the plot knots. Also I think the characters would feel distant and different. I like more the fact that we actually can see and analyze their development