I have read a number of criticisms of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert for "strikebreaking", being "scabs", and other unflattering terms. It is my belief that having their shows back on the air actually strengthens the writers position. Follow my reasoning across the fold ...
I believe that this protracted strike is directly related to the current election year. After all, it has been well established that many young people get their political news from Comedy Central and various late night talk show hosts. Keeping these voices silenced these past few months has allowed the powers that be keep much closer control of the message they wish to have delivered to us.
How might the primaries have been affected had these shows been airing? Did Obama's support get dampened by the absence of these shows? Would Rudy even have a chance in Florida had these comics been on air with the America's Playa story? Could John Edwards or one of the other "second tier" candidates have broken through the COM barrier via these shows? Of course these are questions we'll never be able to answer with anything other than conjecture.
This is part of why I don't think there is, or should be, ill will towards either Stewart or Colbert for resuming their shows - ostensibly without writers. This takes away the political incentive for prolonging the strike. If its purely about money they'll find some way to make a workable agreement.