I'm impressed with your attention to detail.....
And i agree there are somethings that i refuse to give EA credit for because really it's just a simple modified ratings tweak.
For example had EA patched the Jump Ratings last year most people on these boards would have never complained about the Super LB leaps.
Most likely all they really did was reduce the jump ratings down this year making it appear as if they worked on the game in that aspect.
If EA went in and modifeid other ratings like Agility the game would appear as if players are taking actual steps to get from "POINT A" to "POINT B".
DB's and LB's over the last few years could have been edited to react more realistic on pass defense. But the USER shouldn't have to do figure out these ratings it should be the company (EA) that incorporates the proper ratings that translate to SIM STYLE play on the field.
However i believe most of the high impact arcade ratings are released with the game out of the box because we (OS Posters) are the minority.
The Casual gamer the rest of the population who actually effects the total sales of NCAA Football the most doesn't really care if a LB has a 40 inch vertical or 90 agility.
They just want a fast and fun football game.....they aren't going to spend time wondering why defenders don't have to take proper steps on the field to make a play.