1. In regards to "new" characters teaming up with old characters... A lot of times that'd work, but let's face it. For as few issues (all things considered) that Alpha Flight has been in - just take volume one alone - Alpha Flight members have been put through the wringer and do come with an excessive amount of baggage. All of them do. There's not one single character that I feel like doesn't come with excessive baggage. All characters should go through things to "change and grow" - but I feel like Alpha Flight characters were put into a grinder. That's why I liked the latest one (after their "resurrection") in the Fear storyline or whichever it was. It felt like a very clean slate.

2. As for James, I know he struggled with diabetes. It's why one of his legs was amputated. So I suspect (have no info), that it may be related to (complications of) diabetes.