Guy you're going to have to give specific examples of where I've indulged in some "what ifs" etc (otherwise I may have to assume your analysis has been blindsided by emotion :-) ). And I never said I disliked what ifs could of's, just that I try to take them for what they are.
A lot of the other points you make is in the perceptual realm that is very much open to conjecture. Like the whole cattle vs coach thing, however talented you think the list is is kind of not very unquantifiable except maybe through wins on the board. We do know no-one has managed to get a sustained period of contention as a coach of Fremantle. How could we even say that was the most talented list we've ever had without the wins? Perhaps it was the talent pulling him along, but we also know in our closest ever tilt at the cup, 2013, Pavlich played 12 games, McPharlin 16 and Sandi 10.
To be fair it's not been that obvious as to the cause of not getting over the line, but I'm not sure whether there's been too many coaches to get closer without winning one. Plenty of people would argue that with another key forward or two that we might of gotten over the line (FYI this isn't a what if but a statement of one clouding issue).
I myself do think that the gamestyle is capable of winning a premiership cup. If it's that successful all other times then there's a good case to think it will be successful at the GF (including numerous examples of close GFs). I think it does have a limited lifespan, due to its ultimate erosion of decision making in the players, but that's something I've had a go at mainly in hindsight.
And c'mon Bizkit. It's easy to say you have no dislike for Lyon, but there seems to be an endless list of posts that take a pop at him or interpret what has happened in a negative reflection of Lyon that might say you're not the biggest fan. Of course it's your prerogative, but you may as well own it.