It’s interesting that generally players get better reputations when they don’t play and a team doesn’t play well. I remember loads wanting Ross Fitzsimons in when Adam Collin was getting all that unnecessary stick way back when. Those forgetting why Fitzsimons lost his place and how distinctly average he actually was.
Now, we’re third, DC has been out for about 10 days and like you say, oddly being critiqued, especially in the context of players in different positions which is a proper false economy.
I also remember when we signed Jevani Brown, the stock of Junior Morais rose on here with a few posters…

