Yes, emotional ties kept Dick away, but not Babs and Steph, because they have no emotional ties to the cave or anywhere else. Babs no longer has any roots, whereas Bruce's institutions continue even after he's gone. I feel like Babs' life is uncertain and on hold, and will be as long as she's in a temporary setup. Ok for Steph because year 1 wasn't that long ago, but not ok for the Oracle. It's acceptable, fine, ok to be in the cave ... but I wish for more.