Didn't they already say BHs parts are staying?
As far as I'm concerned we haven't heard anything official since Axl's lame statement about buckethead leaving. It would be nice to actually know what the fuck is going on instead of guessing.
Common sense would suggest that Axl would keep everything from all band-members, past or present, and ultimately use whatever works best.
Common sense got tossed out the window many years ago with this band. I hope your right though. Unless his parts sucked ass which from what I've heard that's far from the case.