I'm not defending what he did at all, i just think for the sake of the worlds biggest TV show things could of been resolved (the producer didn't even report it - clarkson did). I'm sure clarkson probably wanted out to be honest, he has been quoted saying he's tired of repeating the same metaphors on request from producers.
I'd agree the show could be re-done as a car show, drop the huge audience, and the trio can goto sky and make a stupid car-ish themed mobile chatshow.