I like your post, but I disagree with the final statement. The NFL is a business. The commissioner's job is at the pleasure of the owners. Larger markets are favored over small for revenue's sake. The most influential owners are in the larger markets (e.g. Kraft, Jones) I think the fans and many of the coaches and players would like to see a team that does things the right way, the way you describe, but not the powers that be in the NFL.
If the NFL were smart, they would want to encourage and reward what you describe. Could you imagine, on the 100th anniversary a Green Bay v KC Super Bowl? That would have the fans watching and enjoying, no matter what market you were in...with the exception of New England.