I agree with everything you wrote, although (I think), it would happen sooner or later. It was the only logical thing to do for developers – shrink leagues together, so everybody have a chance to compete against living user. It’s more interesting to play that way. Than again, maybe there were more subtle ways to handle situation with sponsors, but what’s done is done. It would be even bigger mess to try and “fix” it. But! Because of everything that was stated here, developers will now try to think of another solution for brighter future. Irony is, of course, right around the corner. That future again won’t be bright for all users. It’s impossible to please each and every user.
And regarding your second paragraph … that’s where I’m headed in this next season. I managed to promote to the first Slovenian league. And even if I’m proud of that achievement, in the same time I’m worried, because there is a lot of “slapping around“ waiting for me and I already know now it won’t be very beneficial at the end of the season. But it is “first league”, not everyone can get there. And beside, I’ll try to think of it like IRL and compensate money with experience