Nah....I won't be on here bragging or bagging anyone. That would just make me one of the "I told you so" brigade. Man that would be depressing. That type of behaviour doesn't interest me at all.
So, in a nutshell......you have listed 4 reasons for the umpteenth time, based on history. You think good recruitment, depth, off field stability, refs history and so forth offers no reason for hope or expectation.
As you say, we don't know what's been addressed for this year.....and although you say you won't be able to judge the side until after round 4...it seems pretty obvious that you've delivered a pretty harsh judgement already. lol
I really enjoy everyones input on this site (including yours, mate) and of course people are free to think and feel as they wish. Even the doom and gloomers are spot on from time to time....and I'm wrong a fair bit of the time
All I can say is, for me.....optimism trumps pessimism every single time in every aspect of life! People are free to feel defeated before the fight if they wish, that's cool. I just don't understand it.