Good point, and one I didn't consider when I edited players. If it doesn't already, perhaps OFF AWR could carry more weight in sim stats. Rookies could have good skill ratings but not pile up points until they "learn the pro game" and it might make a crafty old vet like Jagr more productive without having to goose his ratings.
Of course, this would require a progression system that allows for awareness to start low (aside from rare elite talent) and progress with experience. I think they could do something like that using an accomplishment system:
- 82 games played = +5 OFF/DEF/POI (with a few more benchmarks so long-time vets are highly rated)
- Win Richard/Art Ross = +5 OFF
- Win Selke = +5 DEF
- Win Norris = +5 OFF +5 DEF
- Win the Cup = +5 OFF +5 DEF +10 POI
Or something like that, anyway. What were we talking about again, Top 10 RW?