Rodgers needed to play to further his development as a player. Look at the improvements he made this year versus last. He wouldn't of made those improvements without playing. There is only so much you can learn. The 08 Rodgers would of been probably this year's Rodgers had this been his first year or next year if 2010 turned out to be his first year. It's kind of a domino effect.
I think Rodgers knew he needed to play. My guess is GB would've had to pay him a lot of money to get him to stay longterm had they turned around and gave the job back to Favre. He may of requested a trade too, which puts a lot of pressure and buzz on the Packers. It was a messy situation. Good comparison though with Rodgers and Conan.