Xbox Live games - Play people you know and in organized leagues. Problem solved.
Franchise - Many people here play 162 games. Many sim a number of games during the season. I myself love playing short seasons. Your list is of concerns is
your list, not anyone else's.
Wats sad is im a 360er, and ill probably be buying this game next year - Rent it first like I do every year, and maybe save yourself some money. Don't be a consumer sheep, be an individual with some backbone, c'mon!