Stabler's character exit was due to Christopher Meloni's contract dispute. It is not the same issue. Christopher Meloni left on his own and Kelli Giddish was written off. Mariska Hargitay has said multiple times that she has been fighting for Kelli Giddish to return since they are close friendsand that Amanda's character was integral to the show. Mariska is one of the main reasons the show has such staying power and as an EP and director, I'm sure she has a lot of influence about what happens on the show.