Well, again you argue cogently. My point about trying to explain in large part, Milford's poor form is not in terms of its "someone else’s responsibility" but rather, it's hard to be a dominant playmaker if the spine of which you are part just can't get it together, and hasn't for years. I think your 2nd paragraph really says it all. The thing is, we haven't had that quality in the spine since Hunt left and Darius was playing great footie at the back. Milford, as a confidence player has, as a result, just declined. The consequence of a shitty spine (amongst other things) is that Milford has just lost his desire to play. His confidence is shot and I really do think this is his last season with us. However, he is still the only member of our spine with a kicking game and a decent passing game.
I don't see Croft or anyone for that matter as a decent 5/8. So, sure, we could drop Milf and try them, but I just don't see that making any difference. Nevertheless, maybe the best thing to do is just that - get Croft and Dearden in the halves and see what happens. For mine, we will not see any change. In fact, I feel we will go further backwards. But that is just my opinion.
As well, our forwards game plan is, and has been, a dog's breakfast for years. It's a whole of team approach that is needed. A lot needs to be fixed simultaneously, which is why Walters is under so much pressure. There is just so much to fix in this side - again, thanks largely to poor recruitment years ago, and of course, getting rid of Bennett the way we did.
As for me, at 68, I would certainly add a lot to this side with a spine like you mention, but only if the NRL regarded a blow to the head with a walking stick as legitimate defence, or in my case, self defence.