You make some very valid arguments, but if the non-objective crowd is told to wait till the season starts to see what we have, shouldn't the criticizers also be told the same? I mean that only seems fair. And as far as manufacturing excuses goes, I see both sides doing that.
The fact that there are 2 sides to an argument is really a good thing. I tend to be more on the positive outlook side. What gets my goat is when the two sides clash and the pissing match begins. When people refuse to respect one another, the argument loses all validity no matter what side you are on.