how does this correspond with the "strictly follow depth chart" option
It is following your depth chart. It will always be starter, backup then reserve. If your starter will play better than your backup, then the coach is going to keep him on the court regardless of depth chart.
Ever considered starting your weaker player and have your stronger player come off the bench to try help out minutes?
In this case, it's treating the backup like a reserve. When coaches use set rotations the backup replaces the starter at a certain point in time regardless of skill disparity. That a game which relies on minutes management wouldn't have rotational sub patterns is a ridiculous, yet unfortunately true proposition.
and yeah, I've started my weaker player quite often, because I've had to. but I shouldn't have to...