I don't see any contradictions. Let's go over it then. You told us that the LCD and SFDC were like that to really force a decision between winning and training, and that that was on purpose. I was the one saying that there should be a way to do both always (win and train efficientely). So after, when you talk about a balance between winning and training you are talking about the same as me, and I think that contradicts the arguments used for the substitutions patterns (LCD and SFDC), since they work in the exact opposite direction of this balance.
this thread in which we were discussing not paying wages during the playoffs doesn't contradit that in any way, is only another way of reducing expenses for everyone. And it was not even created by me. I just suggested a way of implementing what this other people were asking for.
And I never said anything about winning being irrelevant. Ever. I think winning is essential and the one and only goal, and not just to me but to everyone. I honestly believe that nobody will play a game that for trainning players efficiently they would have to lose for a long time. I want the balance you were talking about. if that happens, perfect.
The bottom line is that the decision the users should have to make should be "play more my best players" or "play my trainees", and that by itself defines the flow between training and wining, no need for different substitutions strategies that will make one team win or lose.