I'm not too worried about it. My opinion going in is that this year was a calculated step back. I've not seen anything to change that opinion. Its going to happen from time to time with the way baseball works right now.
I'm not saying it was the wrong approach. Teams that operate this way are going to have seasons where not enough things go their way and they just aren't good. It happens. If they believe they have a wave of impact talent coming up and they can clear some cash to fill in the gaps, so be it. I can take a down year to play the long game.
I think they knew it though. I think they believe a window is going to open soon with some of the kids. They committed no long term money and are just trying to get contracts off the books. I'm not saying they purposefully punted the season but I don't think they are going to be upset if it ends up that way.
Sure, but it is not a strategy that is free from downside and criticism. When was the last time the Brewers were a top 5 odds on favorite to win a World Series? To me, the whole bites at the apple is a very convenient philosophy.
Lots of people admit it. That's the whole "bites at the apple" philosophy. Get enough bites that you might get lucky with one of them. I prefer, like you, to just call what it is as you've described it.
This is going to get ugly quick. Just can't play as stupid and lackadaisical as the Packers do and expect to beat really good teams. They have crapped the bed in multiple ways in less than 2 minutes.