Ian was on the Madden team during the development of Madden 06....just not in the position that he is in now. I really think the franchise's success will not lie only in one person's hands. For example, Bill Gates said that Microsoft's success wasn't only because of him, but most importantly the outstanding people that surrounded him. Ian Cummings is an excellent video game developer in my opinion, but others on the team also deserve credit and respect, especially Phil Frazier.
BTW, most of the stuff you listed were great ideas.