I think you are just thinking too much....you shouldn't presume... there are picks that show weather (rain), and I believe the devs have confirmed weather...
as far as zero bodies on the side lines.... I think it has to do with their intention to have a true physics on the field.....so it was either having players and coaches on the sidelines that don't react realistically to sideline hits or just don't have them at all...
if they are perfectionist, like they seem, then they probably went with the latter for now.... maybe the next version will sideline stuff....again this is their first game, and they are already pushing these next gen systems pretty far with the rendering tech, not just physics.
here is a link to an interview about what they are doing with the graphics, pretty amazing..
also there are short video clips of each effect taking place.
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/847/847497p2.html