I think there are a number of solutions that would at least minimize the problem.
Top players from closed teams go free agent only at specific times. Just before inter-conference games start or finish, and at the end/start of a season. This way all teams in one conference get the same opponent with the same strength.
Teams that go bot have all new players generated at the time mentioned in above suggestion. With free agents leaving teams are all <10k salary anyway, but often completely lopsided due to free agency, or they dont have enough players anymore. At least this way the bot has enough players to actually field a team.
If a manager leaves a player at home in his last game before going bot or not returning that player will not be available for future games. Make it so teams that go bot have all of their players available and automatically use 'Let Coach Decide" as the bot default.
Last edited by buzzerbeatme at 3/25/2011 3:36:46 PM