That's why I think he'll be back in the UK in September for a month and then gone for good.
It pains me to say this, but I agree with your thinking. It pains me, because I enjoy Smith's performance, even if I'm not always happy with the material he has to work with.
The thing that would keep Smith, but will never happen, would be to move
Doctor Who production to the United States. Specifically, New York City. At the "Asylum" screening in New York, Smith said he wished they could film every episode of
Doctor Who in New York. While I'm sure there are warehouses in Brooklyn or Queens that could be easily converted into permanent soundstages for
Doctor Who, doing that just to keep Smith doesn't make any sense.
That's too bad, if that's the way it'll work out. I can certainly understand Smith wanting to expand his career. However, I think it's a bit shortsighted (in general, not just of Matt Smith).
The Doctor is such an iconic role that will be remembered for generations. On the other hand, the odds are that any of them who come to the States will get bit parts and 2nd rate roles that will quickly be forgotten.
Sure, there's the possibility that they'll hit it huge, but that's unlikely. And, given that he has already landed the role of a lifetime, well, I wouldn't be so quick to give it up!
It's probably a tough position to be in too. They don't want to be typecast. But, Tom Baker is beloved for his 7 years on Doctor Who, not his one-shot guest role in Remington Steele!
Mr Awe