Never said player rating was everything, I just think it's a good estimate when comparing players. A 10 isn't that different from a 9 but he's a lot different from a 5.
As far as MVP, it's also based on games played. Since you were in level V, my guess would be there was a lot of turnover (players and bots coming and going) just like the level V I as in last season so not many players with enough games played to qualify. You had a great record and only one other player had as many game on your team and a higher rating. Your player with a 10.1 last year played in only 9 games. Perez rating went from usually being between 4 and 5 at the beginning of the season to being between 6 and 7 at the end. You were probably training him since he was 18. Your other guy with a lot of games (22) only had good scoring and not much else statistically. Since defense has no statistic, I wouldn't expect anyone with high ratings due to defense to ever win MVP (just like real life players who are mainly a defensive stopper).
Side question, how do you view MVP voting? I never checked who won in my league last season because I knew it wouldn't be any of my guys.
No matter where you go, there you are.