that is the most small-time, cope mentality take i've ever seen. building through development is what programs with no pull in recruiting tell themselves to feel beter. the gap is insane because the elite programs are getting elite players, period. climbing 12 spots in average rating just means you were scraping the bottom of the barrel before. you think nick saban or kirby smart are sitting around talking about development over stars? they get the stars and develop them. that's why they win titles. your average recruit rating climbing is like bragging you went from a tricycle to a bicycle while the real programs are in sports cars. you can't develop what you don't have. the saints' approach is a ceiling, and that ceiling is 8 wins. the top 20 are playing a different sport, and your "development" narrative is a proud excuse for never actually competing at the highest level. enjoy your moral victories while the real contenders stack championships.