Ok, now I see what you're driving at. This league and the NFL League are both similar in nature to me. I got in after the draft and lost a major playmaker early. (Scott here, a top end 95+ WR type in NFL due to retirement) Both have high end GM ownership and I aggressively attack each off-season, however, FA has always been barren (because GMs are ultra-competitive and you don't have slip through the crack releases) Draft classes? I'm too competitive to not try and win so I always fall in the at the middle of the draft or worse. JDB has ramped up vol in drafts on a lot of players and reduced the talent level so not loaded with 90+ guys any more and the higher vol reduces that pool because I dislike taking chances especially when I need players drastically...!!
Sprinkle in the pushed up retirement rates and retirements and it's a very difficult recipe to overcome.
I joined NCAA with a 50s-70s laden roster and was able to turn that around but I think it comes down to if everyone's protecting their team and you're not getting into that prime draft slot it's very difficult to push through.
Also, yeah, you're not getting anywhere if you toss your money to a bevvy of 75-80+ players in lieu of going after the 1-2 top end guys on FA.
Gamechangers are needed to win in this game....you need a couple on the offensive side of the ball.
That's my overall experience with FA/Drafts and trying to be competitive in a league.