I couldn't make the game yesterday and it sounds like it was a fairly typical performance - except maybe that the defence is more solid/settled - but I must admit I was surprised Virtanen started when Roberts did too. I know Scougs isn't quite fit yet and maybe Kev missed training with his job, but another more attacking player seems the obvious change.
I agree with the detail and reasoning of what you say, I just think talk of next week being must win or Rice goes is premature. I wouldn't be in favour of getting rid of any manager this early in the season (unless it was a clear disaster with no way back).
Per the highlighted sentence, I don't think we are much different from last season, when we didn't play great football very often, but did end up having a successful season. We also had a very good end to the season when Chipper took over from Ferguson.
It's a bit of a conundrum for me, I like Brian Rice, he's recruited well since he's been manager and on the whole results have been decent. No doubt though that the football we play isn't great and there's a consistent feeling of underachieving. With the midfield players we have we really shouldn't be second best in that area as much as we are.