I just finished season 16 for the first time, and after reading this thread back, I think you were all way too harsh on it at the time. Sure, the cast was frakensteined together and barely meshed, but it was still a light and easy watch, all thanks to Noella's charisma and Emily having her best season yet. Heather absolutely does not work as an anchor but I enjoyed having her back on the show, if only to watch her get riled up by every word that came out of Noella’s mouth.
I assume Heather gave Bravo an ultimatum and threatened to quit if they brought Noella back because I really don't understand why they'd sack her after she carried the entire season. The way Heather can't deal with strong personalities, in the same way she ran after Kelly Dodd joined the cast, makes her look like such a loser. I would have loved to see Tamra play (and argue) with Noella!