“many people do continue to “ask questions / seek advise” by drawing from the writings of gedolim that are no longer among us.”
And they also ask questions to a dead Rav on the internet, and get answers from the dead Rav.
Everyone must have a warm blooded Rav, otherwise, to be your own Rav is very dangerous and will lead you off the proper path. In fact, every Rav has a Rav.