Here's my impression:
Redstones - Strong players, but could have better managed Gameshape both last season and this season. If he can put his talent closer to 60-70 minutes per game each and get a specialized staff member with massage to reduce the impacts of too many minutes per week, then he could be a lot better. I think he would've made the finals regardless of normal vs CT, and i think i would've lost to him. Instead, he didn't get that far.
K12 - I treated him like an AWOL manager who would normal and not properly manage Gameshape then. He made it back because we had some teams tank and his topend players even on bad GS were better than tanking, but his salary is very much inflated.
Philadelphia Giants - Same problems as Redstones honestly. Very good albeit a bit topheavy in terms of the lineup, but has no gameshape management. Needs to just drop someone out of the picture with salary, bring back two guys with 10-15k salary and a 4k who has 9-10 OD or 9-10 ID, and learn to manage GS better. I think between this team and redstones, you have two managers that are gameshape understanding away from being dangerous in B8.
Knickerbockers - 1 week really isn't enough for me to evaluate why you demoted. If you ever join the US Offsite and post a diary i'll take a look at it and see.
Checkmate - Same as the other G8 teams. Gameshape is a disaster because of the lack of players. Guessing the lack of players is a sign that he's not generating enough revenue with the current team to hold more. Training GS and getting massage, and adding 3 low salary players for the scrims would probably make him more scary.
Dough Boy$ - Looks to be a team in a bit of a transition phase with his players, but was easily the toughest opponent i faced in this league when i promoted. Knows enough about gameshape, player selection, and enthusiasm to win him a heavy percentage of games. Think if both you and him spend to your max, it'll be a rough fight for both parties.
The Heats - Doesn't manage enthusiasm, so until he picks up on that wont be a threat in the playoffs unless he has you by roughly 35-40k in talent.
NNA - A guy sitting on a lot of money, and when he chooses to compete again will probably be a problem for someone in this league. Make sure you keep an eye on him.
I'm skipping the next few because i didn't play against them.
Divinedragons - again, gameshape management leaves something to be desired. Never has spent a lot of salary, could actually be a threat if they do and get on a roll with some talent.
Jewish Mob - Was about 2 seasons ago that this team could sneak up and bite you. Has fallen completely off the radar.
Catzzz - Very underrated team. He made the playoffs with much the same salary/roster as he has now, but has recently become less interested in gameshape. I guess part of that is some salary transitioning, but i think lingering in D.IV for too long might provide you a scare sooner or later in the finals. He was the team in the finals last season in the G8.