Oates was definitely unlucky but I'm keen to see how Holmes goes. I don't see the fuss with the changes TBH, this has been coming for a few years. We are unfortunate atm that we have 5 genuine options for wing of which none stand out as obvious centre prospects.
We are still well served for back rowers and have emerging halves options but are short on props so will have to make do for a few years. 9 could be a problem soon too I suppose unless Smith plays till he is 40. Both Macca and Friend are already 27 so I'd say we will be debuting a 29/30 year old if Cam doesn't go early.
As has been pointed out before Mal knew when to get the **** out. Walters has been left with the transition job and if he didn't do part of it this year then next year would be finding replacements for Cronk and JT as well.