[sibmike]

Async standups are great even for on-site teams. First, people only spend half a minute to post it; manager needs half a minute to read it to know whats going on. After it is posted, everyone have something to refer to before the weekly meeting, which does not have to be long if it is well prepared. The set up keeps the communications efficient and consistent.

As for the original post, the outstanding team does not need the manager, so far. It will need one, after the writer deteriorate the culture and communication channels that have been established before him with own "trust" and f-words.