struggler said:
So perhaps I could ask the new guy if he could use my services in some way. Without seeming like a grumpy old fart who has seen too much!
Sound reasonable to me. Just let him know that you were on the EC for many years and are now taking a break. Say that there are quite a few issues that might seem simple but have some history and offer to fill him in. If he has any sense he'll be happy to hear it but will exercise some judgement of his own to work out over time who to believe. With luck he will be sensible enough to not leap to any conclusions to soon. Anyway, talking is almost always better than not talking.