Totally agree they looked shattered
A break is what they need but i am sure Zayn leaving has spurred them on for this break. I am certain solo material is being lined up for all of them probably except Louis who will obviously be a XF judge next year; it'll help ratings and give the show worldwide attention that is the power of 1D's brand.
To be fair that level of success with the wrong people could go to their heads but they don't seem too bad at all(well part from Zayn).
I've liked all their singles and album's to date although the recent album hasn't been up to their old standard however, a break is due a nice fitting farewell on the show (it's amazing how Cowell treats and speaks of you if you make loads of money would he have done that for an artist who had lets say worked with him for ten years but not made him much money? never, he knows he has to keep them sweet...just what their took last year in revenue is INSANE). I look forward to their solo material. Their level of fame and fans i think they could all bag number 1 singles at some point with the right music.
I think Zayn, Harry and Niall will have Number 1's. Liam will put out a great album that will be critically praised however underperform. Louis will release some poorly thought music that will do so and so success wise. They'll reform with Zayn in a few years. That is all.