For Caramel, it's been too long since he had a stallion worth the name. So it makes sense, if you look at it right. Why'd he sign on as a hired hoof at the Acres? Why was he the last one to leave and the first one up to go anywhere if Mac wanted a few ponies to carouse with? Because he plays the long game, if a bit ineffectually. Macintosh is worth waiting around for, after all.