I agree the players last season were not great but nothing has changed from now compared to when Kumiko and Bballin had great success. Canada still has the same amount of users as we did then so the responsibility lies on the shoulders of the NT managers. That is the biggest part of the job that you don't see.
Anyone can set a lineup and determine which games are easy (in your words). The difficult part of the position is engaging the community and getting people excited, that is where you have failed. The U21 manager needs to be well enough liked and respected that people actually will listen and respond.
IMO this is the area that other managers have a big advantage over you.