I think this is specifically Padma Take Two, a chance for Marten to show how much he's actually grown up since then
Personally, I'd like to disagree. Padma was a different story, because Marten knew she'd be leaving whenever they got together.
I do believe Jeph lived in Northampton when he created QC - but he doesn't live there anymore. Marty is still arguably his main protagonist - Jeph may be planning to relocate him.
[snip]
Maybe, but I began to differ again. If Claire actually does have to move for work, Marten will have to make a conscious decision, and he'll probably do it properly this time.
Think about it: Faye and Bubbles barely make enough to pay their rent(s), maybe a bit more now. Marty wouldn't put them on the spot, just like this. Although I could see them trying to live at the shop though.
I don't think JJ wants neither to break up the cast (geographically speaking), nor does he want to get rid of either Marten or Claire. In my mind, Marten has bonded with Claire too strongly to just let her move. The way I see it, he'd rather give up his Job at the Library so he can be replaced by Claire, and then maybe enter the music industry, through whatever channel he may get into.
Yes, it's Claire's first relationship, and she's up with a life changing event - transitioning from student to work life. The way I see her, she'll need the emotional support to make this go smoothly. Yes, there probably will be fights. Marten will have to be able to get Claire out of her frustration, without making it worse by his choice of words. Although I think Marten will prove he's up to it. I think Claire is a good thing for Marten. Yes she keeps pushing him in certain ways, which won't be good in the long run. But she might get Marten to a point where he gets used to being less passive.
When they make it through all that, they'll be settled for the long run, either together or split, but it will be a better talked about decision than the Dora/Marten breakup.
Or, just when everything is about to fall apart, Hanners is coming back, buying up stuff left and right just to not have her little social circle break up with even more drama (she'll have had enough of that by the time she returns.)