*Both situations happened in the past and have no inluence*
Can we say something like this:
Since Paul joined the band, they had been gradually going downhill. It's good they called it quits.
Or should it be:
After Paul had joined the band, they were gradually going downkill. It's good they called it quits.
Can we say something like this:
Since Paul joined the band, they had been gradually going downhill. It's good they called it quits.
Or should it be:
After Paul had joined the band, they were gradually going downkill. It's good they called it quits.