If Hardwicks contract was not renewed - what gig could he expect to get at another club. For mine I don't think he would EVER get a senior coach role at another club,
Would there be any takers?
If no, then the question whether to sack him or not is a relatively simple one.
IMHO his player management, list management (@"The list is the best I have had in my time at RFC"), team selection (finals campaigns bringing in underdone players) and support staff management (list managers, support coaches, game day strategists) has been quite abysmal as is evident from the state of our playing list and position on the ladder.
7 years is a long time to get it right, I think he has had ample opportunity and at the end of next year it will be 8 years.
He has had his go, his KPI's must have all failed, let him have his final year to the detriment of the club, because lets be honest, his contract could not possibly be renewed unless he somehow manages to get us a finals win as a bare minimum next year.