I don't care what we are calling him, GM vs ball boy, he's just as active as he was pre-McD and he's receiving a paycheck commensurate of a GM. He's never had absolute final say and neither does McD. Pegs meddles. He has the final say.
As for Whaley, even in his current capacity, neutered or not, he still does good work, especially with pro personnel. If he wants to walk, he's going to have to quit and Pegs will be off the hook for his salary.