clockwork wasn't running this GoD for us - he was running it for himself.
once he got his lollies out, messing with the combatants and nullifying strategy (switching the Wishes, etc), then actually creating mercs as NPC's with 36 point buy, he left us high and dry.
the last thing clockwork wanted was the players actually being in control of what their character's end result was.
once he satiated his manipulative instincts, there was nothing in the game for HIM, so he started slacking, big time.
It was just a matter of time till he punked out competely, utterly losing credibility.